Chapter 3: The First U.S. Election - Foundations of a Republic

Introduction

• The inaugural election of the United States occurred in early 1789.
• This election was a pivotal moment, reflecting both innovation and continuity informed by Enlightenment ideals and post-revolutionary realities.

Context: A New Government Framework

• The election followed the 1788 ratification of the U.S. Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation.
• The Constitution introduced a federal government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
• Establishment of the President's office, absent in the Articles, suggesting a centralized authority.
• Electoral College was created as a compromise between popular sovereignty and elite control.

The Candidates: George Washington’s Uncontested Ascendancy

• No real contest for the presidency; George Washington was the unanimous choice.
• Washington's reluctance to seek power aligned with republican virtues.
• Electors were mostly chosen by state legislatures, some via popular vote.
• John Adams became Vice President, showcasing early partisan divisions.

Mechanics of the Election: The Role of the Electoral College

• Electoral College reflected republican ideals and federalist concerns.
• Each state's electors equaled its congressional representation.
• Only 10 out of 13 states participated due to ratification and logistical issues.
• Slow communication led to delays in vote counting.

Key Outcomes and Significance

• Washington was unanimously elected first President with all 69 electoral votes.
• Adams, with 34 votes, became Vice President.
• Established precedents for future elections, flexible constitutional system, and democratic stability.

The Road Ahead: Challenges for the First Administration

• Washington's administration faced challenges: establishing the executive branch, foreign relations, economy stabilization, regional tensions.
• The election's legitimacy was crucial for translating constitutional ideals into governance.

Conclusion: The First Election as a Democratic Experiment

• The 1789 election applied democratic and republican principles in a new nation.
• While Washington's selection lacked competition, the election represented a shift to democratic governance.

Discussion Questions

1. How did the Electoral College reflect the compromises and tensions of the Constitutional Convention?
2. How did George Washington’s election set precedents for future presidential elections?
3. How did the ideals of unity and consensus shape the first election in the early republic?