<P> The position of the First Lady is not an elected one and carries only ceremonial duties . Nonetheless, first ladies have held a highly visible position in American society . The role of the First Lady has evolved over the centuries . She is, first and foremost, the hostess of the White House . She organizes and attends official ceremonies and functions of state either along with, or in place of, the president . Lisa Burns identifies four successive main themes of the first ladyship: as public woman (1900--1929); as political celebrity (1932--1961); as political activist (1964--1977); and as political interloper (1980--2001). </P> <P> Martha Washington created the role and hosted many affairs of state at the national capital (New York and Philadelphia). This socializing became known as "the Republican Court" and provided elite women with an opportunity to play backstage political role . Both Martha Washington and Abigail Adams were treated as if they were "ladies" of the British royal court . </P> <P> Dolley Madison popularized the First Ladyship by engaging in efforts to assist orphans and women, by dressing in elegant fashions and attracting newspaper coverage, and by risking her life to save iconic treasures during the War of 1812 . Madison set the standard for the ladyship and her actions were the model for nearly every First Lady until Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1930s . She traveled widely and spoke to many groups, often voicing personal opinions to the left of the president's . She authored a weekly newspaper column and hosted a radio show . Jacqueline Kennedy led an effort to redecorate and restore the White House . </P> <P> Many first ladies became significant fashion trendsetters . Some have exercised a degree of political influence by virtue of being an important adviser to the president . </P>

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