George Washington's Leadership

George Washington’s leadership was indispensable in successfully launching a new government. George Washington was chosen to be the leader at the Constitutional Convention or the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, because he had gained a great amount of trust and respect after the Revolutionary War from supporters of a national government. In addition, Washington’s support for the constitution was critical, since citizens had an admiration for him. If he did not support the constitution, neither would the citizens. Washington also contributed his comments to the Convention and wrote letters to his political associates. The presidential cabinet was developed by George Washington to set the pattern for future presidents. Even before the Constitutional

He gained admiration from his noble and outstanding leadership. During the battle at Monmouth, New Jersey, soldiers were confused, but George’s presence “stopped the retreat and confusion of the troops,” said Layfette, a French aristocrat and military officer. George Washington was known as visionary leader from his strategic tactics. He made various issues that he was faced with during the Revolutionary War applicable to his soldiers and continually set goals. One of the main goals was to win the war for independence. In The Book of Virtues, it lists George Washington’s Rules of Civility. The fourteenth rule of civility states, “Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgement to others with modesty” (Bennet, 75). The twenty- second Rule of Civility says, “Keep to the fashion of your equals, such as are civil and orderly with respect to time and place” (Bennet,

George Washington designated Thomas Jefferson as secretary of state. Alexander Hamilton was an expert in public finance and he was appointed secretary of treasury. General Henry Knox was chosen to be secretary of war. Two additional people were selected to assist Washington and become Cabinet level officers. Edmund Randolph was selected as Attorney General and Samuel Osgood was selected as Postmaster General. The first Cabinet was selected by George Washington and the purpose of it was to advise the President on problems and probable solutions to those problems. Also, the president is accountable for the decisions made. The Cabinet’s role has grown tremendously today and covers many more areas than the original three created by Washington. Today’s cabinet includes fifteen executive