George Essay, Research Paper

George Washington

George Washington is best known as the ?Father of our Country.? He cared

for this country much like a parent would care for a child. During his

presidency, he solved many noteworthy problems. His achievements led to a

democratic, wonderful country we like to call The United States of America.

Although he?s not thought of as glamorous, George Washington is looked

upon

with the utmost respect and awe by all countries of the world. George

Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 2.

` Virginia was alarmed when a French expedition from Canada established

posts

on the headwaters of the Ohio River. Conflict over this area eventually

erupted

into the French and Indian War, in which Washington played a major military

role that established his reputation as a commander. In the fall of 1758 the

French were defeated. In 1759 he married Martha Dandridge Custis, a

wealthy

young widow. Washington matured into a solid member of Virginia society.

From 1759 to 1774 he served in the House of Burgesses. By 1774

Washington

had become a key supporter of the colonial cause. That same year he was

elected to the First Continental Congress. In 1775 the Second Continental

Congress elected Washington commander in chief of its army. In July

Washington arrived in Massachusetts, where the battles at Lexington and

Concord had been fought. The British pulled back most of their troops to

winter

in New York City, leaving scattered garrisons of German mercenaries in New

Jersey. On December 25 Washington led his small army across the

ice-clogged

Delaware, successfully attacked a garrison at Trenton, and re-crossed the

Delaware without interference. In January 1777 near Princeton, he defeated

three British regiments marching to reinforce General Charles Cornwallis.

The

British eventually surrendered. After the victory, Washington rejected a plan,

which had support in the army, of establishing a monarchy with himself as

king.

branches should have a large gap between them. He also believed that the

president should not influence Congress in the passing of laws. However, if

he

does not agree with a certain bill, he has the power of vetoing it. He viewed

the

responsibilities of the president largely as administering the laws of Congress

and supervising relations with other countries. Washington had set an

important

precedent when he attained the power to appoint and dismiss his own

department heads. Without this example, Congress could sneak behind the

President?s authority and allow unwanted department heads to stay in office

against the President?s wishes. Washington was ecstatic about forming his

cabinet, and he and his advisers acted with exceptional energy. Washington

was well equipped for the work of building a structure of administration. He

had a talent for fusing together his plans and actions to get adequate results.

First, he acquired the necessary facts, which he weighed carefully. Once he

had reached a decision, he carried it out with vitality and tenacity. He was

never lazy in making decisions for his country. He always acted promptly and

decisively. Thorough, systematic, accurate, and, being attentive to detail also

described his personality. He expected the same enthusiasm from every one

in

his administration. On September 24, 1789, Washington passed The Judiciary

Act, which set up a federal court system. Its basic features were provided for

by the Constitution. Since the president is considered the chief enforcer of

federal laws, it is his duty to prosecute cases before the federal courts. In this

work his agent is the attorney general. The Judiciary Act of 1789 planned so

well, that most of its essential features have survived until today. Washington

believed strongly in the constitutional demand that the executive, legislative,

and

judicial branches of the government should be kept as separate as possible.

Washington did not use his charisma or office to influence legislative debates.

He thought that the President should not try to control the kinds of laws that

Congress passed. However, he believed that if he disapproved of a bill, he

had

the right to veto it. Washington believed that the president?s duties were to

administer the laws of Congress and supervise relations with other countries.

George Washington was the first true pioneer of the newly born United States

of America. He helped shape this country to its Democratic perfection today.

During his double termed presidency, he ran the country with poise and

dignity.

It is no wonder that Henry Lee uttered that famous epitaph: ?first in war, first

in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.?