On January 7, 1789, states began selecting electors for the first U.S. presidential election under the new Constitution. The process unfolded over several weeks as states used different methods to choose electors. George Washington emerged as the unanimous choice for president, reflecting broad confidence in his leadership. The election established key precedents for executive selection and peaceful governance. It also highlighted the evolving balance between state and federal roles in elections. The early system would be refined through later constitutional amendments and state-level reforms.
