Myth Debunked: Who Was the First President of the USA?

The Debate on the First Official President of the USA

When discussing the founding fathers of the United States, it is common to hear that George Washington was the first president. However, the historical context is often more nuanced. The question of who was the first official president of the USA can be a bit contentious, with some pointing to John Hanson, among others. Let's delve into the fascinating details.

George Washington: The First Elected President

There is no debating that George Washington was the first president as we commonly understand it today. The U.S. Constitution established the role of the president with powers to enforce the laws and represent the nation. Washington was elected without any opposition, receiving all electoral votes of the 10 states that had ratified the Constitution by 1789.

However, prior to the Constitution, several individuals held the title of President of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation. While these roles were significant, they did not carry the same constitutional powers as the position of the President of the United States as we know it. These early presidencies were more about presiding over congressional deliberations rather than having executive powers.

John Hanson: A Contender for the Merit of First President

John Hanson was a delegate from Maryland to the Continental Congress, serving from 1779 to 1781. He became the “President of the United States in Congress Assembled” during a particularly contentious period. At the time, Congress lacked significant powers and the position was more ceremonial, serving primarily as a neutral moderator for discussions.

The phrase "President of the United States in Congress Assembled" might be confusing, so let's clarify. This role was not recognized by the same constitutional framework as the modern presidency. The fact that Hanson held the revolving presidency for two years from 1781 to 1782 serves as an interesting point of discussion but doesn't confer the powers or status of the current president.

Defining the First President of the USA

The answer to who was the first president depends on how one defines the role. Here are some potential nominees:

Peyton Randolph: served as the first president of the Continental Congress in 1774, presiding over the first meeting of the Second Continental Congress. However, his role was more preparatory and ceremonial. John Hancock: as the president of the “Congress of the United States” in 1775, he signed the Declaration of Independence. While a significant figure, his role was more that of a symbolic leader. Thomas McKean: served as the president of the Congress from 1779 to 1781, but again, his role was more about presidiover a larger legislative body rather than executive authority. Samuel Huntington: the sixth president of the Continental Congress in 1781, who helped navigate the delicate process of establishing the Articles of Confederation. John Hanson: while he was the first to hold the office of “President of the United States in Congress Assembled” (incorrectly rated as the 1st President by some), his role was largely ceremonial and not the same as the modern president.

The consensus, however, is that George Washington was the first president to have the formal constitutional powers and first to be elected by the new nation. Most Americans would agree that the term “first president” in the context of the United States as a nation is best attributed to George Washington, solidifying his place in history.

Conclusion

The debate over the first president of the USA highlights the evolving nature of the United States and its governance. While John Hanson and others played significant roles, the official and definitive first president of the USA is widely considered to be George Washington. His election and assumption of office under the new Constitution set the stage for the powerful and influential role the presidency would take on in the future.

Understanding this historical context helps us appreciate the legal and political developments that shaped the modern presidency and the United States as a nation.