1816 United States presidential election: Monroe defeats King (1816)

The 1816 United States presidential election occurred between November 1 and December 4, 1816. James Monroe, the Democratic-Republican candidate and Madison's heir apparent, defeated Federalist nominee Rufus King in a landslide. King was the last presidential candidate fielded by the Federalist Party, which lacked a national organization capable of mounting a campaign.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Following the War of 1812, James Monroe served as Secretary of State and War, positioning himself as President Madison's natural successor. Madison's 1816 message to Congress endorsed an economic program that undermined the Federalist platform, particularly regarding the Second Bank of the United States. The Federalist Party's strength in the middle states had melted away after peace with Britain in 1815, leaving disconnected state parties without a unifying national organization.

Candidates. James Monroe followed an uncertain path to the Democratic-Republican nomination, facing challenges at the congressional nominating caucus. Rufus King, a respected senator and former Constitutional Convention delegate, emerged as the Federalist Party's last presidential nominee. King was the only individual capable of uniting the party's remaining supporters, having previously served as vice presidential candidate in 1804 and 1808.

Outcome. Monroe easily defeated Federalist candidate Rufus King in a landslide. The Federalist Party became defunct at the national level after 1816, with King being the last nominee the party fielded. Congress met to count the electoral votes on February 22, 1817, confirming Monroe's victory.

People involved

Sources

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