and head of government
of the United States
. The president leads the executive branch
of the federal government
and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces
.
Article II of the U.S. Constitution
vests the executive power of the United States in the president and charges him with the execution of federal law, alongside the responsibility of appointing federal executive, diplomatic, regulatory, and judicial officers, and concluding treaties with foreign powers, with the advice and consent of the Senate
.
1789 George Washington is unanimously elected as the first President of the United States by the U.S. Electoral College.
1789 On the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City, George Washington takes the oath of office to become the first elected President of the United States.
1789 A national Thanksgiving Day is observed in the United States as recommended by President George Washington and approved by Congress.
1792 The Postal Service Act, establishing the United States Post Office Department, is signed by President George Washington.
1792 U.S. President George Washington exercises his authority to veto a bill, the first time this power is used in the United States.
1793 George Washington holds the first Cabinet meeting as President of the United States.
1797 In the first ever peaceful transfer of power between elected leaders in modern times, John Adams is sworn in as President of the United States, succeeding George Washington.
1800 The United States Library of Congress is established when President John Adams signs legislation to appropriate $5,000 USD to purchase "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress".
1800 U.S. President John Adams takes up residence in Washington, D.C. (in a tavern because the White House was not yet completed).
1800 US President John Adams becomes the first President of the United States to live in the Executive Mansion (later renamed the White House).