The first president was NOT George Washington

[Timothy Leary]

It was Samuel Huntington, not George Washington.

George Washington didn't begin his term until 1789 - we declared our independence back in 1776, and we didn't go without a president for 13 years (although the idea is tempting, lol)

Washingon was something like the 11th president.


It's a crying shame that we have forgotten our first presidents.

[Xavier]

Washington was the first President of the United States.

[Teallaura]

Actually, John Hanson of Maryland was the first to hold the title - under the Articles of Confederation. Most folks forget that the Articles created a weak Presidency. If I recall correctly, there were eleven presidents before Washington.

That said, Washington was the first president under the Constitution - and is rightly called the first President of the United States of America.

Don't feel bad - I used this on to stump fellow grad students once.

[Rusty T]

For those who want to know more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States_in_Congress_Assembled

rusty

[quaist]

Then.. are we allowed in school to say that he wasn't the first president? Or is he the official first president, and we are not allowed to do this?

[keith]

Now you have me thinking. This reminded me of a radio article I head a while back talking about how George Washington was chosen to be President. Apparently there was no free and fair election but a secret meeting behind closed doors with those present sworn to secrecy regarding the process.

Could this possibly be true? How exactly did Washington get the job? It does not sound much like a democratic procedure was at work at that time.

[Timothy Leary]

Oops, my bad.

However, it would be more correct to say "under the current constitution".

Actually, John Hanson of Maryland was the first to hold the title - under the Articles of Confederation. Most folks forget that the Articles created a weak Presidency. If I recall correctly, there were eleven presidents before Washington.

That said, Washington was the first president under the Constitution - and is rightly called the first President of the United States of America.

Don't feel bad - I used this on to stump fellow grad students once.

[Timothy Leary]

Of course you're allowed to say it in school.

The less educated teachers will just dismiss you. You'll impress the more educated teachers.

Officially, GW would be the first president of the USA under the present constitution. However, he was not the first president of the USA.

Then.. are we allowed in school to say that he wasn't the first president? Or is he the official first president, and we are not allowed to do this?