George makes case for liberalism
George Washington, 57, elected the first president of the United States by a unanimous vote of the electoral college, takes the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City, April 30, 1789. In his inaugural address—which he reads, appearing “agitated and embarrassed” by one account— he tells Congress to look to the Constitution for their priorities and to consider the public good when altering it, as the “sacred fire of liberty” depends on American democracy. After two terms, he refuses a third and leaves office in 1797.
