How many times a year do we watch the news only to see another depressing story about how our government leaders have failed in their duties? How often do we hear stories of leaders acting below the board, working for their own agenda or for their own enjoyment, rather than working for the people they serve? From the president of our country to the mayors of small towns, there are numerous examples of leaders who have failed to adequately lead our country due to their irresponsible personal choices. While some people blame the system for the flaws in our government, the real problem lies with the people who run it, and that's why what our government needs are leaders whose goal is to serve the American people and maintain the own integrity, even when I think no one is watching. First we will look at what integrity means, then we will discuss how big a problem lack of integrity is, finally we will look at why it is a problem and what can be done about it. First let's talk about what integrity is and why it is. important. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines integrity as: “1. Strict adherence to a code of conduct; property. 2. The state of being whole; solidity. 3. Completeness; unity." In other words, integrity means firmly deciding to stick to what you believe, no matter the cost and regardless of who is or isn't watching at the time. Integrity means a man or woman who truly believes what they say and does not change its principles when things get tough. However, another way to think about integrity is to imagine an exceptionally tall skyscraper that is intact, solid, or complete, with each piece in complete unity with all the other pieces of the skyscraper. building. Such a building......middle of paper......the positions and titles he held, he remained an honorable man. Even when he was our first president he insisted on being respected, but not worshiped. He was institutional in helping to develop the idea of ​​a president rather than a king. He insisted on being called “Mr. President" rather than a more traditional term such as "Your Highness" or "Your Majesty". In the book American Government, Timothy Keesee states: "[...] the president may lose touch with reality and act more like a king than a president-elect.” Throughout his presidency he truly served the American people, never getting more glory than he deserved or using more power than necessary From his humble beginnings as a Virginia surveyor at just nineteen to his extraordinary role in the American Revolution and in the first presidency, George Washington was an inspirational leader that our current leaders should strive to emulate.