George Washington

One of the most critical time periods in the history of the United States was the 1790's, when George Washington served as our first President. Looking back over the more than 200 years that have passed since that time, we can see that Washington made great contributions to American society. We see the impact he had on American government by getting Congress to pass the Bill of Rights, by establishing a national bank, and by stepping down from the presidency after serving two terms when others were urging him to remain as President for life.

George Washington is attributed with being one of the prominent founding fathers who helped to add the first ten amendments to our U.S. Constitution. These amendments, articles three though twelve, are known as the Bill of Rights. They are essential rights and liberties that every human deserves to have such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion. George Washington's addressed the state legislature many times with well-thought and convincing arguments. The Bill or tights plays a huge role in the American government, and still today is a fundamental symbol of freedoms and culture of our nation. Without Washington's help, the Bill of Rights may have very well never existed.

During Washington's presidency, there was always much conflict between Hamilton and himself. On major issue that they did agree on however, was establishing a National Bank. Hamilton argued that congress had the power to make "all laws which shall be necessary and proper" to carry out the Constitution's provisions. Washington approved and agreed with Hamilton and signed legislation to create the National Bank. This was not only good for the nation as a whole, but it created friendly relations with Great Britain so that the country had a market for its good and raw materials.

After serving for two terms as president, Washington was ready to retire, even though the nation practically begged