The First Six Presidents Under the Constitution

The Constitution was only an approved document when George Washington became President of the United States in 1789. Through his actions and those of the next 5 Presidents, the Constitution was transformed into an actualized process for conducting the business of government. Over this 40-year period the duties and powers of the President were extended beyond what was explicitly stated by the Constitution. The area of executive authority was expanded by implication into areas in which the Constitution was silent or vague. In the process, each of these Presidents established rules, customs and traditions according to their style of leadership.