At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, George Washington played the crucial role of presiding officer. He was unanimously elected as the president of the Convention, which gave the proceedings credibility and legitimacy due to his stature as a military hero and respected leader. Washington worked primarily to maintain order, facilitate consensus, and provide leadership without dominating the debates. He enforced secrecy, allowing delegates to freely and honestly negotiate the foundation of the new Constitution. Though he spoke rarely during debates, Washington’s presence was pivotal in uniting the delegates and guiding the process towards compromises necessary to create a strong federal government. He believed in a strong central government and a single executive leader but largely allowed others to debate while intervening to maintain order and cast deciding votes on proposals. His leadership was essential in the successful drafting and eventual ratification of the United States Constitution, and his support lent great influence to the process.