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This 1889 painting by Ramon de Elorriaga, The Inauguration of George Washington , depicts his swearing-in on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City.

of the presidency sparked intense debate. Some questioned the need for a single indi- vidual to lead the government, fearing that a strong head of government would quickly lead to a monarchy . It soon became clear, however, that the leader of the new govern- ment must have enough power to be independent of the legislature and to ensure that the federal government would not be at the mercy of the state governments. Other debates centered on how the new executive would be elected—by popular vote, by designated electors, or by Congress—and how long his or her term in office would last. Another debate focused on whether the chief executive should have a specified council of advisors, perhaps from specific branches of the government, such as the president of the Senate and the chief justice of the Supreme Court, or from specific areas of the country, like a representative from the East, the Middle States, and the South. When it became clear that George Washington, hero of the RevolutionaryWar, would be the first nominee for president of the United States, many of the debates were resolved. The idea of a council of advisors was set aside; the Constitution does not even call for a “cabinet.” The president was given the right of veto power over legislation. He was given the right to appoint people to office “in all not otherwise provided for.” He was given the title of “Commander in Chief.”

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The Presidency