Who was the first U.S. President?
In 1789, 69 members of Congress cast their ballots to elect George Washington the first president of the United States. As the former leader of the Continental Army and chairman of the Continental Congress, Washington possessed the necessary credentials for the presidency, if not the enthusiasm. After months of appearing to sidestep, and even outright rejecting the idea of assuming the presidency, Washington reluctantly accepted Congress' decision. Runner-up John Adams became Washington's vice president.
What are your thoughts on this subject?
120 Comments
George Oliver Prince
Actually, this could have been a trick question if handled correctly. There were several presidents of the Congress under the Articles of Confederation.
Patricia Devine
Question doesn't ask if the person was the first "elected" president. Yes, it was Washington, however, there were eight presidents prior to him under the Articles of Confederation. First one was Hanson or something like that.
Richard S. Levine
Note to my fellow players: NOT everyone here is an American!! Many are from all over the world. "Who was the first PM of Samoa?" Ohh, now it's not so easy. Think out of the box.
Gus Weewie
Who got this wrong?
Steven Wong
that question has to go
tonypeca
really????
Wendy Smart
Hey I'm Australian and I got it right
PlayerROYST
Richard S. Levine, I agree with you entirely
illonabird
Very clever. I’m right there with ya
Helen Christopulos LoBosco
wordster, I like your response.
Helen Christopulos LoBosco
George, It asked about US Presidents not Confederation Presidents. And Patricia, Congress did elect President George Washington. Do we still do Cherry Pie in February?
Helen Christopulos LoBosco
Patricia Devine, You are good.
wordster
Todd Freeman, "Government" schools? Do you perchance mean public schools, which the Founders, particularly Jefferson, felt very strongly were the foundation of a democracy.
wordster
mansabey, say what? as opposed to the Less we have now?
wordster
George Oliver Prince, true, but the question specified 1st president of the US. The Articles of Confederation was a loose agreement amongst the newly independent colonies/states, which soon proved unworkable. Hence the Constitutional Convention which actually defined the United States. Hence: Washington, who incidentally was the only president to receive ALL the electoral votes.