First US Presidential Election ~ The first U.S. presidential election took place in 1788-1789. Here’s a chronological overview:
- 1787: The Constitutional Convention was held from May 25 to September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall). Delegates from 12 of the 13 states (Rhode Island abstained) convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and draft a new constitution. The result was the United States Constitution, which established the framework for the federal government, including the creation of the presidency.
- 1788: The Constitution was ratified by the required nine states to become effective on June 21, 1788. This marked the official establishment of the new federal government under the Constitution.
- 1789: The presidential election process began with the selection of presidential electors. These electors were chosen by state legislatures, rather than by popular vote, in most states. Each state was allocated a number of electors equal to its representation in Congress (the combined total of its senators and representatives).
- 1789: The first presidential election occurred from December 15, 1788, to January 10, 1789, with electors in each state casting their votes for President and Vice President.
- 1789: George Washington, a widely respected military leader and statesman, was a unanimous choice for the presidency. His leadership during the Revolutionary War and his role in the Constitutional Convention made him a natural candidate. He did not actively campaign for the position but was overwhelmingly supported by the electors.
- 1789: On April 6, 1789, Congress certified the results of the electoral college vote, officially confirming George Washington as the first President of the United States and John Adams as the first Vice President.
- 1789: George Washington’s inauguration took place on April 30, 1789, in New York City, which was then the temporary capital of the United States. He was sworn in on the balcony of Federal Hall, and the oath of office was administered by Chancellor Robert Livingston of New York.
- 1792: The second presidential election occurred, with George Washington running for reelection. He won a second term, again unanimously, with John Adams reelected as Vice President. This election marked the first time in U.S. history that an incumbent president sought reelection.
These early presidential elections set important precedents for the young nation, establishing the peaceful transfer of power through democratic means and solidifying the role of the presidency within the federal government.
First US Presidential Election
