In what has to be one of the great acts of American history, Washington’s stepping down as President is truly divine.
“After demonstrating exemplary leadership as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief and retired to Mount Vernon, Virginia. This act established the important precedent that civilian elected officials, rather than military officers, possess ultimate authority over the armed forces. Six years later, Washington was elected US president. What was Washington’s annual presidential salary?”
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.
December 24th, 2007 at 2:34 AM
One reason that the salary was as large as it was, was that the president did not receive a separate allowance out of which to pay for expenses such as house, furniture, secretaries, clerks, carriages and horses.
January 31st, 2008 at 7:46 PM
this precedent was also an “unwritten” rule for the longest time. Most just followed suit and stepped down after 2 terms.
George could have been king, but his vision saw much past his own rewards and knew what was best for democracy