On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States in New York City. He took the oath of office on a balcony overlooking a crowd of onlookers. Washington’s presidency helped shape the roles and customs of the executive branch. He appointed the first cabinet, set precedents for relations with Congress, and established practices such as stepping down after two terms. His leadership helped stabilize the new government and build public trust. The inauguration marked the practical beginning of the U.S. constitutional system.
