People tend to forget that Washington VOLUNTARILY gave up the power of the Presidency after two terms. Nothing of the sort had ever happened before. Nothing in the constitution (at the time) prevented him from running again. This established a tradition which held until FDR ran for a third term in 1940. His actions led to the 22nd Amendment.
By stepping aside and allowing a peaceful transfer of power to the incoming President, Washington affirmed the spirit of the Revolution.
By stepping aside and allowing a peaceful transfer of power to the incoming President, Washington affirmed the spirit of the Revolution. True, but Washington's Vice President and secessor, John Adams, was the first to peacefilly hand power to a political rival. We were blessed with many great men in those days, and I agree, Washington was the greatest.