Who was the first Attorney General of the United States?

The first Attorney General of the United States was Edmund Randolph. Appointed by President George Washington in 1789, Randolph played a crucial role in establishing the office of the Attorney General and shaping its functions within the new federal government. His background as a lawyer and former Governor of Virginia provided him with the necessary experience to advise the president and handle legal affairs for the federal government.

In the context of early American history, the position of Attorney General was significant as it laid the groundwork for the development of the legal framework and judicial system of the United States. Randolph's responsibilities included providing legal counsel to the president and the executive branch, representing the United States in legal matters, and overseeing federal prosecutions.

The other individuals listed were important figures in U.S. history, but they held different roles. John Jay was the first Chief Justice of the United States; James Madison was a key architect of the Constitution and later the fourth president; Thomas Jefferson was the first Secretary of State and also became the third president. While they each contributed significantly to the formation of the U.S. government, they did not serve as the Attorney General, which solidifies Edmund Randolph's distinction as the first person to hold that office.