As a general question, did George Washington really do anything spectacular as President, other than setting a precedent for serving only two terms?
I’d certainly agree that in fighting and winning the Revolutionary War, he deserves the title “Greatest American”.
He held the country together in those early struggling days. (He certainly wasn't in the face of those who weren't for the revolution by saying, "I won, you lost... ") He couldn't fail; the young, struggling country couldn't have survived if he had failed. He was the only "unamiously elected" President... because of his leadership skills.
In the words of John Adams,Washington was, "First in war, First in Peace, and First in the hearts of the people." He was much loved and respected. The two terms... was because he didn't want the Presidency to become a monarchial type leadership.
He began his Presidency by dividing up the work of the Executive Office into different departments, and choosing people to head them. These became known as the President's Cabinet; composed of people who advised him and helped him to govern. This was Washington's idea. He was very concerned about the President becoming "king like".
He warned against "the baneful destructive effects of the spirit of party"; mindfully warning us even then that country should always come before party. He was very afraid "political parties" would destroy the republic.