Presidential election
1816 presidential election
James Monroe defeated Rufus King, winning 183 of 217 electoral votes.
Results
16.9%
Turnout rate
111.3K
Total votes cast
1.1M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 25 | Democratic-RepublicanMonroe | +69% |
| New York(NY) | 29 | Democratic-RepublicanMonroe | +7% |
| Virginia(VA) | 25 | Democratic-RepublicanMonroe | +100% |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 22 | FederalistKing | +8% |
| Connecticut(CT) | 9 | FederalistKing | +25% |
Candidates
Party
Democratic-RepublicanRunning mate
Daniel D. Tompkins
Home state
Virginia
Age at election
58
Previous position
Secretary of State and War
Electoral votes
183
Party
FederalistRunning mate
John E. Howard
Home state
New York
Age at election
61
Previous position
U.S. Senator from New York
Electoral votes
34
Northern States
Monroe
55%
Southern States
Monroe
85%
Key events
Second Bank Chartered
National bank reestablished after charter expiration
Tariff of 1816
First protective tariff passed
Issues & context
Post-War of 1812 nationalism at peak. Federalists discredited by Hartford Convention's perceived disloyalty. Last election Federalist Party fielded presidential candidate. 'Virginia Dynasty' continued.
Post-war economic boom. Tariff of 1816 protected American manufacturing. Second Bank of United States restored financial stability. Westward expansion accelerating.
Madison (two-term Democrat-Republican) not running. Monroe was obvious successor. Federalists too weak to mount serious challenge after Hartford Convention disaster.
Launched 'Era of Good Feelings.' Federalist Party collapsed permanently. One-party rule until 1824. Monroe Doctrine (1823) defined American foreign policy. Last of Virginia Dynasty.
Did you know?
- 1.Last election with Federalist Party candidate
- 2.Monroe was last president of Revolutionary generation
- 3.Hartford Convention killed Federalist Party
- 4.Fourth consecutive Virginian elected president
- 5.Only 7 states held popular vote