George Washington was the right man to serve as our nation’s first president. He understood his role under our republic, in which the people through their elected representatives made the laws and he did not attempt to usurp more power for himself. He swore the presidential oath he meant it. He was a strong advocate for religious liberty. He established a robust and energetic foreign policy. He believed in peace through strength.

He wanted America’s military to be strong enough to “choose peace or war as our interest guided by justice shall counsel.” Washington was humble and restrained in his role as president. On average, he only gave three public speeches per year as president. He had the shortest ever inaugural address and he had to be convinced to run for a second term despite the fact that many wanted him to become king.