Answer:
In 1796, as he neared the end of his second term, President George Washington was 64 years old and suffering from ills both physical and political. Plagued by painful dentures and rheumatism, and facing increasing attacks from opponents of his policies, the former Revolutionary War general decided he would not seek a third term in the nation’s highest office.
As he did so, he and his longtime friend and protégé, Alexander Hamilton, drafted a farewell address. In the 7,641-word document, the nation’s first president called for the American people to remain unified, resist the rise of political factions and avoid the influence of foreign powers.
Washington was not bound by a two-term limit. But if he died in office, he feared it would establish a precedent that the presidency was a lifetime appointment. Instead, he stepped aside to make way for a successor, proving to future generations (and his contemporary critics) his commitment to democracy rather than power.
Step-by-step explanation: