Who was the first President of the United States?

George Washington was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He played a pivotal role in the founding of the nation, both as a military leader during the American Revolution and as a key figure in the drafting of the Constitution. After the Revolutionary War, Washington was unanimously elected as the first president, setting important precedents for the office, such as establishing the cabinet and serving only two terms. His leadership helped to stabilize the new nation and establish the executive branch of the government.

The other individuals listed were all important figures in American history but did not serve as the first president. Thomas Jefferson was the third president and authored the Declaration of Independence; John Adams was the second president and a prominent advocate for independence; James Madison, known as the "Father of the Constitution," served as the fourth president. Each of these leaders contributed significantly to the development of the United States, but only Washington holds the distinction of being the first president.