George Washington rightly deserves his cult-hero status. After the war, "His Excellency" could have easily used his newly forming standing army and asserted his authority with the support of the people. There was quite a bit of speculation that Hamilton was inclined towards this end and sought a campaign of conquest in Mexico.

The fact that Washington stepped down after his military leadership is what made him worthy to become our first elected national leader. That example is hardly seen in modern politicians who yearn for presidential power. Powell may be the only modern equivalent in many ways.