The Presidents of the United States of America are the elected leaders who serve as the head of state and government. The role was established in 1789 with George Washington as the first president. Each president serves a four-year term and can be re-elected for one additional term, totaling a maximum of eight years in office. Throughout history, there have been 46 presidencies, with notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln, who led during the Civil War, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served four terms during the Great Depression and World War II. The presidency is a key part of the U.S. government and its political system.