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Presidential election

1792 presidential election

George Washington was elected unanimously in 1792 with all 132 electoral votes.

November 2-December 5, 1792

George Washington

Independent

George Washington was elected unanimously in 1792, receiving all 132 electoral votes. Running mate: John Adams.

132
of 132 electoral votes
6.3%
turnout

Results

Vote breakdown
George WashingtonIndependent
132 EV
John AdamsFederalist
77 EV
George ClintonDemocratic-Republican
50 EV
Voter turnout

6.3%

Turnout rate

28.6K

Total votes cast

500.0K

Eligible voters

State results
StateElectoral votesWinnerMargin
Pennsylvania(PA)15
IndependentWashington
+100%
New York(NY)12
IndependentWashington
+100%
Virginia(VA)21
IndependentWashington
+100%
Massachusetts(MA)16
IndependentWashington
+100%

Candidates

George Washington
Winner

Party

Independent (Federalist-leaning)

Running mate

John Adams

Home state

Virginia

Age at election

60

Previous position

1st President of the United States (Incumbent)

Electoral votes

132

George Clinton

Party

Democratic-Republican

Running mate

Thomas Jefferson

Home state

New York

Age at election

53

Previous position

Governor of New York

Electoral votes

50

Voting demographics

All States

Washington

100%

Key events

Campaign timeline
major
1791

Bank of United States Created

Hamilton's central bank established

major
1791

Bill of Rights Ratified

First 10 amendments took effect

Issues & context

Key campaign issues
Hamilton's Financial Plan
Bank of the United States
Assumption of State Debts
Whiskey Tax
French Revolution Response
Historical context

Washington again unanimous. No organized opposition to his presidency. Contest was for VP between Adams and Clinton. Political parties forming (Federalists vs Democratic-Republicans) despite Washington's independence.

Economic conditions

Hamilton's system stabilizing economy. Bank established. Debts being serviced. Trade growing. But Whiskey Tax causing frontier unrest.

Incumbent factors

Washington universally revered. No serious presidential opposition. Real contest was ideological fight between Hamilton (Federalist) and Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) factions.

Legacy and impact

Demonstrated electoral system working. Party system emerging in VP contest. Set stage for contested 1796 election. Washington's reluctance to run again started two-term tradition debate.

Did you know?

  • 1.Second unanimous Electoral College for Washington
  • 2.Real contest was for VP between Adams and Clinton
  • 3.First election with Vermont and Kentucky as states
  • 4.Washington considered not running
  • 5.Hamilton and Jefferson rivalry intensifying

This site explains the structure and history of U.S. federal elections and is not an official government resource. All data shown is for educational purposes only.