Washington’s First Inaugural Address

Date: April 30, 1789

By: President George Washington

Why it Matters

236 years ago today the first President of the United States was inaugurated into office. President Washington's address to the people of the newly formed United States gives a glimpse into his sentiment on the role of government and those that serve in elected positions.

Executive Summary

George Washington’s First Inaugural Address marks the formal beginning of his presidency and the operational start of the United States government under the Constitution. In the speech, Washington reflects on his sense of duty, expresses gratitude and humility, and calls for divine support in the new government’s success. He avoids recommending specific legislative measures but emphasizes moral principles, national unity, and the importance of civic virtue. He also announces that he will decline any salary beyond what is necessary for his duties. The speech sets a tone of service, caution, and reverence for the responsibilities of leadership.

Key Provisions

• Response to His Election
• Washington expresses deep anxiety upon being called from retirement to serve as President. He describes a conflict between personal reluctance and a strong sense of duty to the country. He emphasizes his awareness of his limitations and his hope that any shortcomings will be viewed with understanding, given his motives.
• Religious Invocation and National Gratitude
• Washington offers a prayerful appeal to God for guidance and support for the new government. He attributes the country's successful founding to divine intervention and argues that Americans are especially obligated to express gratitude to God for their national blessings.
• Respect for the Constitution
• Instead of offering specific policy suggestions, Washington defers to the Constitution as the guiding framework for Congressional duties. He praises the wisdom and character of the legislators and trusts they will act justly and patriotically.
• Virtue as the Basis of Government
• Washington stresses that a successful free government depends on the moral character of its people and leaders. He believes that virtue and happiness are inseparable and that national prosperity requires adherence to moral and divine principles.
• He stresses that there is a natural link between doing what is right and achieving public prosperity. The President warns that divine favor cannot be expected for a nation that fails to observe the eternal principles of justice and order.
• He also states that the “sacred fire of liberty” and the future of republican government are deeply tied to the trust placed in the American people, framing the new government as an experiment with high stakes and global significance.
• Possible Constitutional Amendments
• He acknowledges public concerns about the new Constitution and trusts Congress to decide whether amendments are needed. He urges caution to protect the new government's effectiveness while also respecting individual rights and public harmony.
• Declining a Salary
• Washington asks the House of Representatives not to allocate him a personal salary. He requests that any funds provided should only cover the costs required by the office and not be treated as personal income.

Source: https://www.mountvernon.org/education/primary-source-collections/primary-source-collections/article/washington-s-first-inaugural-address-april-30-1789