Washington's decision to leave office in 1797 contributed to a powerful precedent followed by most presidents after him. What was that tradition?

a. foundation of the two party system
b. strengthened authority of a retiring president to name his successor
c. establishing a limit to the number of terms a president can serve
d. delivering a farewell address summarizing accomplishments

1 answer

Washington's decision to leave office in 1797 contributed to the tradition of c. establishing a limit to the number of terms a president can serve. By voluntarily stepping down after two terms, Washington set a precedent that was followed by subsequent presidents until it was formalized by the 22nd Amendment in 1951, which limits presidents to two terms in office.