How did George Washington play a role in forming the new federal government in 1787?
George Washington played a main role in forming the federal government because he presided the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Even though he had retired after the Revolutionary War, he came out of his retirement to preside the Convention, with that he was elected the first president of the United States.
How did George Washington define the executive branch for future presidents, such as through his decision to retire after serving two terms?
Washington was the first president of the United States and he knew that he had the power to shape the Executive branch. He made the branch more powerful by appointing a cabinet and proposing legislation to the Congress, something that they did not believe it was possible before. He also used titles to the Presidency such as “Mr. President”.