Question

1. According to his farewell address, why did George Washington step down as president?

Answer 1

On his way out of the presidency, Washington delivered a Farewell Address in which he advised the country to avoid political factions, based on party or geography, and avoid long-term alliances with other countries. Excerpt from George Washington's Farewell Address, 1796.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

He was keenly interested in the construction of a new "federal city" along the banks of the Potomac River. Washington decided to leave public office after two terms as president. His action set a precedent to step down after eight years, followed by successive presidents until Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Mindful of the precedent his conduct set for future presidents, Washington feared that if he were to die while in office, Americans would view the presidency as a lifetime appointment. Instead, he decided to step down from power, providing the standard of a two-term limit.