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The American federal government was formed at the beginning of 1789 according to the provisions of the Constitution.George Washington was unanimously elected President by the Electoral College.By this time，Washington was recognized as the central figure in the founding and development of the United States.He had led the Continental Army which won the War of Independence while always respecting the orders of the civil authority，the Continental Congress.He had also presided over the Constitutional Convention as chairman and was instrumental in its success.Washington was sworn into office on April 30，1789.His administration included a number of very capable persons，including Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury and Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State.

Hamilton and Jefferson held very different political philosophies.Hamilton believed in a strong central government and wanted to build America into a powerful industrialized commercial nation，while Jefferson wanted a small central government，advocated greater powers for the states，and wanted an agrarian yeoman republic.Hamilton had the support of Washington and was instrumental in the formation of government policies，financial policies in particular，which laid the foundation for a capitalist economy.He convinced Washington to support the foundation of the Bank of the United States.He also persuaded Congress to adopt his policy of supporting the development of industry by means of high import tariffs.He also had great influence in foreign affairs.He persuaded Washington to remain neutral during the French Revolution，which angered Thomas Jefferson so much that he resigned his position as Secretary of State in 1793.

After two terms as President，Washington rejected the prospect of a third term.This set an example for future Presidents，none of whom would serve more than two terms until Franklin Roosevelt，who was elected President four times.Under Washington’s leadership，the 13 states had grown into one united country.His administration laid down many precedents for future governments to follow.Before he left office，he advised his countrymen in his farewell message that they should not form political parties and should avoid permanent alliances with foreign countries.Washington died two years after he retired from office.He became the idol of the Americans.Today，many places and institutions in the United States，including the nation’s capital，are named after him.