Matthew Whiteford 4 March 2014 Block #2 Mrs.

Cook

Effective Leaders: George Washington

On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the newly formed United States of America. Being the great general and leader that he was, all those around him agreed that he was fit for the job, even if he didnt think so himself. And up to this day he is considered the epitome of leadership and a true patriot. However, one should stop and think on what exactly made George Washington a great leader. For one thing, George Washington believed in unity in order to complete a goal, which happens to be founding a new nation. It is reported by the constitutional rights foundation website that Washington, He hated it when people divided into hostile groups, and he tried to avoid taking sides during political disputes. As president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he contributed almost nothing to the heated debates that took place. Instead, he used his considerable prestige to calm people down and get them back to their main job: creating a new form of government for the United States. These show that he can bring people bring people together with the most sensible method to boot. Only a good leader can bring together the divided, just as the website goes on to say, he in class of his own. This outtake on unity can also be seen in his inaugural speech as he go on to say, In these honorable qualifications, I behold the surest pledges, that as on one side, no local prejudices, or attachments; no separate views, nor party animosities, will misdirect the

comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests: so, on another, that the foundations of our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of a free Government, be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its Citizens, and command the respect of the world. What he trying to say is that no matter what ideology, opinion, or societal norm that separates us should prevent our duty of maintaining a free country. And its this philosophy that gives George Washington the ideal mindset that made him such a great leader. George Washington was so popular at the time that he could have been the king of the United States if anyone cared. But he chose not to abuse his power and was more than eager enough to let the next man take his place, and it was because that this grand experiment called democracy was able to continue. John Adams became the second president of the U.S.A. and from that point; there are a current total of 44 people who became president with President Barack Obama standing as the Current president of today. Perhaps none of this was possible unless it had been George Washington who step up as a leader and set the example for all those to come. Work Cited No Name Found. What Made George Washington a Great Leader Constitutional Rights Foundation. No Publisher Found. No Date of Publication Found. Web. 4 March 2014. http://www.crf-usa.org/bill-of-rights-in-action/bria-1-1-a-what-made-george-washington-a-greatleader.html

No Name Found. Washingtons Inaugural Address of 1789 A Transcription No Publisher Found. No D.O.P. Found. Web. 4 March 2014. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/inaugtxt.html