He was the patriarch of a long line of American Patriarchs- his great grandfather, his grandfather, five of his nephews, two sons and two grandsons. Hanson would have greatly contributed to the life of the nation through his ancestery even if he had not served as President himself. Just as Samuel Huntington did, Hanson began a self-guided reading of classics. It was based upon these legal studies that the young planter began to espouse the cause of the patriots. In 1775 he was elected to the Provincial Legislature of Maryland. Two years later he became a member of Congress. Then he was elected President in 1781. John Hanson was chosen unanimously by Congress (which included George Washington).

No one had ever been President and the role was poorly defined. Just as the Revolutionary War ended he took office. The troops demanded to be paid. There were no funds to meet their salaries, so the soldiers threatened to overthrow the new government and put Washington on the throne. The members of Congress ran for their lives, leaving Hanson all by himself running the government. Miraculously, he managed to hold the country together.

He ordered foreign troops off American soil. Hanson established the Great Seal of the United States (which all presidents since been required to use on all official documents). He also established the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, the first Foreign Affairs Department and Thanksgiving Day). He served in office from November 5, 1781 until November 3, 1782, making him the first President under the Articles of Confederation.