Part I presents writings from Washington’s first term as president of the United States (1789–1793). Here readers may accompany Washington as he navigates the challenges of holding the supreme executive office of a new government for newly independent nation. We find him considering with care what standards of dignity and decorum are appropriate for the highest office in a republican government. We find him weighing what factors should govern appointments to the subordinate offices at his disposal, as well as judging the proper scope of the powers of the presidency and the government of the Union. Finally, we here encounter Washington exercising diplomacy not only toward other nations, but also toward the various members of his talented but fractious cabinet – and also seeking that cabinet’s advice about whether he should serve a second term.

Part II collects writings from Washington’s second presidential term (1793–1797). During this period Washington had to grapple with delicate problems of foreign policy – especially the question how the young and comparatively weak America should stand in relation to the warring great powers, Britain and France. This challenging term presented domestic perplexities as well, most especially the so-called Whiskey Rebellion, which Washington believed to be a serious threat to the new government’s authority. Moreover, throughout Washington’s entire presidency we find many ceremonial communications in which he strove to educate his fellow citizens in the basic principles of republican government and in the habits and virtues necessary for it to survive and thrive.