President of the Continental Congress

The President of the Continental Congress was the presiding officer of the Continental Congress elected by the delegates to the congress. After the Articles of Confederation were adopted on in March 1 1781 the office was known as the President of the United States in Congress Assembled.

Related Topics:
Continental Congress - Articles of Confederation - March 1 - 1781

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Though the United States was an independent country at the time the office was established, the early president of the congress was not yet America's full Head of State. The position is perhaps best likened to a presiding chairman, and its occupants held very little power for only brief terms.

Related Topics:
United States - Head of State - Chairman

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Because of the title of "president" (at the time still quite unusual) many naturally draw a connection between the office of the Congressional President and the modern-day office of the President of the United States (see below).

Related Topics:
President - President of the United States

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While all of the delegates to the congress are worthy of note, two have gained a unique place in the consciousness of many Americans. John Hancock was president when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed. His large and bold signature on the declaration has led to his name becoming a slang term for a signature. John Hanson has sometimes been called the First President of the United States, for his service as the President of the congress.

Related Topics:
John Hancock - Declaration of Independence - John Hanson

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