Constitution Week spotlight

On this fourth day of Constitution Week, we highlight George Washington.

Following the fighting at Lexington and Concord, Washington had been unanimously elected as general and commander-in-chief of the Continental forces. He proved himself a brilliant military leader over the course of the eight-year war. It has been said that the Revolution would not have succeeded without Washington.

Washington retired to Mount Vernon at the conclusion of the war, intending to resume his agricultural and business interests. The new nation, meanwhile, was floundering under the weak Articles of Confederation, our first Constitution adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777. Washington heeded the call back into public service, and eventually to the Constitutional Convention, where he was unanimously elected president of the convention. Although he rarely spoke throughout the four-month convention, Washington’s presence lent prestige and dignity to the convention. He judiciously guided delegates to reach compromises necessary to create a new government.

Ratification of the Constitution eventually led to Washington’s inauguration as president of the United States in April of 1789. He led with quiet authority during his two terms as president. Washington is the only U.S. president who never occupied the White House. He died in 1799 at the age of 67. He emancipated his slaves in his will.

Who said it? “A constitution is in fact, and must be regarded by the judges as, a fundamental law.”

a) Alexander Hamilton

b) Jonathan Dayton

c) George Read

This Constitution Week Spotlight was provided by Lieutenant George Farragut Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. For more information about DAR, please visit the chapter’s website at lgfdar.com.

Answer: a) Alexander Hamilton from Federalist 78, 1788