George Washington’s sacred tradition is a gift to every President and to all Americans.

Some 227 years ago, in 1797, George Washington – our first US President – ​​also became the first US President to voluntarily cede the presidency to his successor. This was unheard of at the time. For most of human history, power changes have been disorderly and violent.

The list of European succession wars numbers in the hundreds, with kings and emperors serving for life and their heirs dragging entire nations into bloody conflicts. At the time Washington resigned, Bavaria and all of Austria had only recently emerged from such wars.

The modern revolution in France was engulfed in terror and unrest. Africa and Asia suffered from almost constant conflict. Five of the 10 deadliest wars in history were Chinese civil wars, costing tens of millions of lives.

Inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States, April 30, 1789. Also present are (from left) Alexander Hamilton, Robert R. Livingston, Roger Sherman, Mr. Otis, Vice President John Adams, Baron von Steuben and General. Henry Knox. Original Artwork: Printed by Currier & Ives. (MPI/Getty Images)

America was founded in part as a countermeasure to all this terror. The Founders rejected monarchy, the idea that God anointed any individual or family by birth to rule over others through violence. Instead, they embraced a radical idea: People were endowed with an inherent, undeniable value by their Creator. This Creator gave them individual rights, among which were “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And government exists not to ensure the power of autocrats, but to protect individual rights.

ON THIS HISTORIC DAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1796, PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON GIVES A FAREWELL ADDRESS

For the first time in history, a major power was formed on the idea that government existed “of the people and for the people.” Moreover, those who intended to lead this government were simply governing organizations created to protect the sovereign rights of the people. When the representatives’ terms expire, they have no right to appoint their successors or cling fiercely to the helm of the state. They must, like Washington’s spiritual predecessor Cincinnatus, lay down their swords and peacefully hand over power to those who will then serve in their stead.

On at least three occasions Washington had the opportunity to personally derail this project. During the revolution, he was granted almost unlimited powers – akin to the powers of Roman dictators. Many suggested that after his victory he should become king, but he categorically rejected this proposal. A few years later, his soldiers and officers proposed a similar rise to power, but were again rejected.

George Washington, c. 1803/1805. Artist Gilbert Stewart. (Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

Finally, after the Congress that established our modern Constitution ended in 1787 and the states subsequently ratified the document, Washington became the first (and last) person to assume the presidency by unanimous consent in 1789. He set all the precedents for the position – including accepting more modest titles and dress than others offered, and sharply limiting his own powers. Then, after just eight years, he voluntarily (and to everyone’s surprise) decided to retire… setting a precedent for a two-term presidency that would last until Franklin Roosevelt.

A Surprise Lesson George Washington Could Teach Us Today

King George III, upon learning of Washington’s plans to resign, reputedly said, “If he does this, he will be the greatest man in the world.” He was. Moreover, he became one of the greatest men in history. Founder of the nation. The general of an army that won a war that could not be won. An undisputed and widely respected civilian leader. The only man in this new United States who could hold the young republic together.

And this man, who by his moderation and courtesy strengthened her great traditions, enabled her to begin the most important experiment in self-government in history, and enabled her to become the most powerful country in the world.

Washington was so admired that his Farewell Address, apart from the Bible, was the most popular book in America between 1797 and the Civil War.

Signature on the original draft of George Washington’s farewell address, written in his own hand and sent to Alexander Hamilton for comment on May 15, 1796. (John Carl D’Annibale/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)

When he retired, it was unthinkable that a man of such power would give it up for the benefit of others. But he did, and in doing so, set a precedent that America and its leaders have always been committed to the peaceful transfer of power, limits on the nation’s executive power, and acceptance of the democratic process. Moreover, this single example and the radical growth, innovation and prosperity it generated revolutionized management systems around the world.

WHY GEORGE WASHINGTON IS THE PRESIDENT WHO ABOVE ALL OTHERS IN STATE AND IMPORTANCE

Today, American-style representative government is more common than not. Peaceful transfers of power are more common than not. Today, billions of people live under the rule of their leaders, not under their rule. And self-governing societies tend to be richer, more beautiful, and more powerful than their autocratic enemies. This is a human triumph. This is a spiritual question. This is also something for which the Founding Father of our country deserves a lot of credit.

The United States is approaching its 250th anniversary. We have transformed the world. We gradually worked to eliminate the vices and imperfections that remained after the completion of the original revolution. We remain the richest, most powerful, most pluralistic and freest country in history. We have become the “city on a hill” our leaders dreamed of.

With the help of our democratic allies, we destroyed the fascist and communist monsters of the 20th century and created the Pax Americana, which lifted billions of people out of poverty and made the post-World War II era (the civil horrors of Stalin and Mao aside) history. the most peaceful. And in our 248th year, we will once again transfer power from one executive branch and Congress to another, I pray, peacefully.

But we all feel that the Republic is worn out. The Constitutional limits established by the Founders and protected by our ancestors have been extended and stretched by those who, as Lincoln once put it, “(thirst) and (burn) for distinction; and… will have them, whether through the emancipation of slaves or the enslavement of free people.”

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Our citizens are now more diverse and divided than ever. Our last decade has been marked by violence, unrest and unrest. And our elections—so vital to the existence of self-government—are plagued by delays, glitches and widespread questions of legitimacy.

Will we survive? In 2024 this is an open question. No democratic republic has existed for so long. We are in uncharted waters. And history has shown us that even the most carefully constructed systems of government—America’s first—rely on great leaders who shun the temptations of power and embrace the humility of service.

As the election of Washington’s 46th successor approaches, we would all be wise to consult his farewell address. It would be wise to be skeptical of authority, to demand restraint from our leaders, to remind those who rule that they are servants, not lords, and to demand honesty and courtesy from those who are given high positions. We must insist that government rule, not govern. And we must, as Washington urged: “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; to cultivate peace and harmony with all.”

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Our elections are a sacred right and responsibility. Let’s approach the final poll before our quarter-century celebration with honesty, enthusiasm and respect. Let us pray that those who emerge victorious will do so with honor, humility, and deep devotion to the character and principles that our founder so strived for. Let us hope that they will behave like another world transformer: “With malice towards none and mercy towards all.”

Let us promise to treat our fellow citizens with love and respect when the election is over. And let us hope that those who hand over the reins of government will do so in the great tradition of a great man who showed us that true courage and character are found not so much in claiming power as in letting it go gracefully.

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