Final answer:
George Washington, the first president of the United States, was inaugurated under the U.S. Constitution, not the Articles of Confederation. His approach to the presidency focused on moderation and setting up an enduring federal leadership role without appearing monarchical, shaping the role of chief of state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first president under the new government of the United States was George Washington, who was inaugurated on April 30, 1789. Washington's presidency marked the beginning of the new federal government under the United States Constitution rather than the Articles of Confederation (AOC), which had been the governing document prior to the Constitution.
During his presidency, Washington was keenly aware of the need to balance the authority of the president while avoiding any semblance of monarchical power. This led to initial discussions and eventual disagreements in Congress regarding how to address the president. Leadership titles such as "His Highness" were debated but ultimately rejected in favor of the more democratic "Mr. President."
Through his actions and decisions, Washington shaped the perception of the presidency. He established the Cabinet to advise him, remained moderate in his display of power, and sought to foster a sense of nationhood, all of which contributed to defining the American presidency as the chief of state. The oath he took, as described in Section 1 Clause 8 of the Constitution, further illustrates this role, emphasizing the president's duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.