【标准美音社论】美国总统日(2/2)

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【标准美音 Editorial】02-19-2012
President's Day

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Photo: Reuters
President George Washington in an undated image courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery. REUTERS/National Portrait Gallery/Handout
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编辑：清泷夜心
HINTS:
WashingtonAt the time, America was a loose confederation of 13 states.  Over the next six years, Americans struggled to devise an effective federal government, but one that left important powers to the states.  Many Americans distrusted the idea of a central government and feared abuses of power by federal officials, especially the president.
At this critical time, Washington was the one person who most Americans were willing to trust. He was the unopposed choice to be the nation's first president.
When he took office, the United States had a constitution, but its government was not yet organized. When he stepped down, the U.S. was recognized by the world's major powers. Washington put the nation on a sound financial footing and created an effective military to protect America's expanding frontiers.
In revolutionary France, democratic ideals gave way to turmoil, terror and repression.  But in the United States, under Washington's leadership, revolution produced stable, democratic, and lawful government.  By leaving office voluntarily after two four-year terms, he set an important precedent for all future presidents. He also oversaw a peaceful transfer of power from one elected leader to another, a principle vital to democracy and an example for peoples around the world.