Which precedent did George Washington set during his presidency?
He insisted on being called Your Excellency in public.
He rarely sought advice from his cabinet secretaries.
He created the first political party in the United States.
He wore civilian clothes rather than uniforms or royal attire.
The correct answer is: He wore civilian clothes rather than uniforms or royal attire.
Explanation:
George Washington set many precedents during his presidency, but one of the most notable ones was his decision to wear civilian clothes rather than military uniforms or royal attire. This simple act of dressing in civilian clothing demonstrated his commitment to a civilian-led government and the republican principles on which the United States was founded. Prior to Washington, it was common for military leaders or rulers to wear elaborate uniforms or attire that symbolized their authority and power. However, Washington deliberately chose to present himself as a regular citizen and avoided any suggestion of monarchy or authoritarianism. This precedent set by Washington has been followed by every American president since, establishing the tradition of presidential attire in the United States.