Saying Goodbye
After eight long years as President, George Washington stepped down from power and retreated to his home at Mount Vernon. This showed that the United States could have a peaceful transition of power and set a tradition of presidents only serving two terms in office. Scroll to learn more about Washington's resignation, Farewell Address, and retirement.
Why Didn't Washington Want to be King?
George Washington could have kept his power as President forever. However, he stepped down after two terms as president. Why didn't he keep that power?
President, not King
Keeping Washington in Office
After his first four-year term, Washington was ready to step down. His friend, Elizabeth Willing Powel, convinced him in a letter to stay for another term.
Powel's Persuasive Plea
The Farewell Address
When George Washington finally resigned, he wrote an address to the nation, giving advice about political parties, national unity, and foreign affairs.
Washington's AdviceWashington as a Historical Symbol
Learn how Washington is used as a symbol throughout America's history through this interactive timeline.
Washington's Farewell Address
Washington's Farewell Address was published in newspapers across the country for people across America to read. Explore this newspaper and learn what Washington wrote.
George Washington to Edward Carrington
In this letter, George Washington is commenting on the state of the nation. It was written after George Washington had left the presidency.
Washington's Will
George Washington died in 1799, just three short years after leaving the presidency. He left behind a will - a series of instructions for people to fulfill after his death.
Available Resources
Interested in learning more about the presidency? Explore these sources!
- A More Perfect Union Video
- The United States Constitution
- The Bill of Rights
- The Foundations of Democracy
- The First First Lady
- The First Cabinet
- Cabinet Members
- The First President
- Ten Facts about Washington's Presidency
- Why Didn't George Washington Want to be King?
- The Farewell Address (Article)
- The Farewell Address (Primary Source)
- Elizabeth Powel to George Washington, 1792
- George Washington to Edward Carrington, 1796
- George Washington's Will
- George Washington's Death
Relinquishing Power
This short video explains how Washington stepped down from power, and how this action helped ensure future peaceful transitions of power.
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The Founding of the U.S. Government