The lasting impact of George Washington's presidency was that he legitimized a large part of the political system we know today.
Explanation:
George Washington was the first President of the United States, the former commander of the Continental Army during the American War of Independence, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation and established the position of President.
Washington took office on April 30, 1789, taking the oath of office at the Federal Hall in New York. He wrote to James Madison, important policy points we know today: "As the first of all in our situation will set a precedent, it is my wish that these precedents be set in true principles." To that end, he preferred the title "Mr. President" than the more majestic names proposed by the Senate, including "His Excellency" and "His Highness the President." His Republican precedents also included the inaugural speech, messages to Congress, and the form of executive branch office
Washington planned to resign after his first term, but the political conflict in the nation convinced him that he should remain in office. He was a capable administrator, judge of talent and character, and spoke regularly with department heads to get his advice. He tolerated opposing points of view, despite the fear that a democratic system would lead to political violence, and led a smooth transition of power to his successor. Washington remained nonpartisan throughout his presidency and opposed the division of political parties, but he favored a strong central government, sympathetic to a federalist form of government, and distrusted the Republican opposition.
