WASHINGTON BECOMES THE FIRST PRESIDENT

George Washington is known as the “father of our country.” He was born in Virginia on February 22, 1732. Most people know Washington was the first president of the United States.

But before he became involved in government, Washington had a successful military career. During the Revolutionary War, Washington led the American colonists to victory against the British. He became a military hero, and citizens of the new United States respected and admired him.

Washington was one of the Founding Fathers who helped decide what the government of the new United States would be like. He was in charge of the Constitutional Convention, a meeting to decide what the new United States Constitution should say. It was a lively meeting with lots of disagreement, but Washington led the meeting without getting involved in the debates.

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

The Electoral College is the group that actually votes for President.

THE ELECTION OF 1788

On February 4, 1789, the electoral college met and elected George Washington President of the United States.