Who was the first President of the United States?

• A. John Adams
• B. Thomas Jefferson
• C. George Washington
• D. James Madison

Answer: (C)

George Washington served as the first President of the United States under the Constitution. He’s the best answer because after the new framework was ratified, he was unanimously elected by the Electoral College to lead the country, serving from 1789 to 1797. Washington didn’t just occupy the office; he helped establish many traditions and practices that shaped how the presidency would work, such as forming a presidential cabinet, guiding the young government through its early challenges, and setting the precedent of a peaceful transfer of power. Those reasons make him the historical first holder of the presidency. John Adams followed as the second president, while Thomas Jefferson and James Madison came after him.