George Washington's vigorous policies established the president as an energetic leader, not a ceremonial figurehead. But he was careful to stay within the bounds of the Constitution. Learn how Washington established his authority in this episode!

Center for Civic Education

As president, George Washington understood his own limitations and was not reluctant to rely upon the counsel of others. Learn more how he leaned on the expertise of others for great success in today's episode!

Center for Civic Education

As president, George Washington demonstrated the value of a strong executive in the hands of a trustworthy person. He stayed within the bounds of presidential authority outlined by the Constitution and the acts of the First Congress organizing the executive branch. Listen for more!

Center for Civic Education

Persuaded that his election would help cement support for the new government, George Washington reluctantly agreed to serve as the nation's first president. Learn more about his start as president!

Center for Civic Education

At the Philadelphia Convention, which drafted the new Constitution for the United States, the delegates assumed that George Washington would become the nation's first president, and this encouraged them to propose strong, wide-ranging powers for the executive. Listen for more!

Center for Civic Education

From the very beginning of the Revolution, George Washington was a nationalist. His country was America, not Virginia, and what America could become through a strong union of the states. Learn more about his patriotism in today's episode!

Center for Civic Education

George Washington strongly supported the principle that the military is subordinate to civilian government. Listen to learn more about his support for civilian control of the government!

Center for Civic Education

Washington never lost sight of the fact that his authority came from Congress, and that the purpose of the army was to carry out the will of the civil government, especially with confronted with the Newburgh Conspiracy. Learn more in today's episode!

Center for Civic Education

As a soldier, George Washington demonstrated enough courage and decisiveness to command troops during several military actions. Listen to learn more!

Center for Civic Education

On today's podcast, we begin a short series on George Washington, who was perhaps the most influential leader in the creation of the American nation. Listen for more!

Center for Civic Education