He unsuccessfully lobbied many to support ratification of the Constitution, such as anti-federalist Patrick Henry; Washington told him "the adoption of it under the present circumstances of the Union is in my opinion desirable" and declared the alternative would be anarchy.[255] Washington and Madison then spent four days at Mount Vernon evaluating the new government's transition.[256]

Chancellor of William & Mary
In 1788, the Board of Visitors of the College of William & Mary decided to re-establish the position of Chancellor, and elected Washington to the office on January 18.[257] The College Rector Samuel Griffin wrote to Washington inviting him to the post, and in a letter dated April 30, 1788, Washington accepted the position of the 14th Chancellor of the College of William & Mary.[257][258] He continued to serve in the post through his presidency until his death on December 14, 1799.[257]

First presidential election
Main article: 1788–1789 United States presidential election
The delegates to the Convention anticipated a Washington presidency and left it to him to define the office once elected.