Final answer:
From 1789 to 1801, George Washington served as the President from 1789 to 1797, and John Adams from 1797 to 1801. In the election of 1796, John Adams won the presidency and Thomas Jefferson, his political rival, became vice president.
Step-by-step explanation:
Presidential Officeholders from 1789 to 1801
From 1789 to 1801, two individuals served as President of the United States in the White House. George Washington was the first President, serving from 1789 until 1797, followed by John Adams who served from 1797 to 1801. Therefore, during this period, both George Washington and John Adams were the occupants of the White House.
The Election of 1796
In the election of 1796, which marked the end of Washington's presidency and the first partisan presidential election in American history, John Adams became president. The Federalist Adams was victorious, and although representing opposing political ideologies, the Republican Thomas Jefferson became the vice president. This unique situation was the result of how the Electoral College operated at the time, where the runner-up would become vice president.
Presidential Term Highlights
George Washington's decision to retire led to the historical election where Adams and Jefferson contended for the presidency. While they worked closely together during the early years of independence, their political paths diverged in the 1790s. Adams was a staunch supporter of the Federalist agenda, while Jefferson became a leading figure in the opposition, advocating for less central government control.