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Ironclad Federalism- Washington's One Term

Ironclad Federalism-A TL




In early 1791 George Washington wrote a letter to his wife Martha while he was in Philadelphia tending to the Government. In this excerpt of the letter President Washington revealed one of the most defining moments in American History:

“How can I, the first President, set the precedent by serving more than 1 term. The infant nation gained freedom from a tyrant and does not need one in replacement. The thought of a second term is daunting so I shall tell my supporters 1 term is enough. The office is greater than 1 man, its just as great as our nation and therefore will be treated as so…”



On August 6th, 1792 Washington gave an address in front of Congress announcing publicly that he would only serve one term. In the very same speech he gives his recommendation that his Vice President, John Adams, succeed him in the office. He also gives high remarks to both Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, his Secretary of Treasury and Secretary of State, respectively. Washington made one last plea in the closing paragraphs of his speech, he stated:

“I pray that you, my brothers, may find your way without petty ideas such as parties, the nation needs not to be divided.”

Congress was greatly shocked. The Hero of the Revolution and First President was going to only serve one term. When news reached major ports and cities in the United States many people are saddened. The prospect of America moving forward without Washington was daunting. He had served his nation since the 1770’s and it would be the first time he would no longer hold the reins of the ever moving carriage that was America.

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