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Washington Leaves the Presidency
Washington stepped down as president on March 4, 1797. He didn't have to do this, and many individuals hoped he wouldn't. However, Washington feared that if he died in office, citizens would believe that the presidency would be a life-long term (which he didn't want). He also had always anticipated to depart the presidency once he believed that Constitution was well-established and the country was off to a great start. Washington stepping down paved the way for other presidents to do the same.