Who was the first President of the United States?

The first President of the United States was George Washington. He assumed office on April 30, 1789, and served two terms until March 4, 1797. Washington is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" for his leadership during the American Revolutionary War and for presiding over the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which established the framework for the new federal government. His presidency set many precedents that shaped the office moving forward, including the formation of a Cabinet and serving only two terms in office, which later became standard practice until the 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951.

The other figures listed, like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison, played crucial roles in American history, with Jefferson serving as the third president, Adams as the second, and Madison as the fourth. However, none held the title of the first president, which firmly belongs to George Washington.