George Washington was the first president of the United States under the Constitution.
Washington took the presidential oath in New York City on April 30, 1789, after the new federal government began operating under the Constitution. He had previously commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His reputation for military leadership and public service helped make him the unanimous choice of the Electoral College.
Washington served two terms, from 1789 through 1797. He established precedents for the presidency, including selecting advisers, approving federal appointments, and voluntarily leaving office after two terms. John Adams succeeded him in 1797. Washington was not the first leader of the United States in every sense: earlier revolutionary governments had operated through the Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation. His distinction is specifically being the first president created by the Constitution.