First Presidential Election

On January 7, 1789 America’s first presidential election was held.  George Washington’s popularity left him virtually unopposed in the election. However, because electors were required to cast two votes for President, Washington was “challenged” by a number of candidates, among whom were John Adams and John Jay.  Washington won the election unanimously and John Adams would become Vice President beside Washington.  Similar to today, the Electoral College system, established by the U.S. Constitution, was used to decide the election.  The president and vice president are the only elected federal officials chosen by the Electoral College instead of by direct popular vote.  Washington is the only president to have been elected unanimously, however James Monroe followed close to that record in 1820.  Washington served two terms in office from 1789-1797.  Washington’s Farewell Address called morality “a necessary spring of popular government”. He said, “Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”