FREE ESSAY ON GEORGE WASHINGTON

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, 1732. He was
the oldest son of a Virginia farmer. Washington received most of his education at home.
When he was 17 he was appointed surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia. In 1752 Washington
inherited Mount Vernon, in Fairfax County. The same year he was appointed adjutant of the
southern district of Virginia, a full-time salaried appointment, carrying the rank of
major. He wanted to eventually secure a commission in the regular British army. In 1753,
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.
In 1789, members of the first Electoral College unanimously voted George Washington as
President of the United States. Washington walked unsteadily on the uncharted ground of
the presidency and was unsure of himself as he began the new responsibilities of his
office. He had the help of only a few officials. Also, he and the Vice-President were the
only heads of the executive branch. Washington believed that the executive, legislative,
and judicial 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."