The Election of 1792

The first term of the American presidency witnessed several dangers to the new democracy. In terms of foreign policy, the British continued to act in North America and attempt to sabotage the United States before it could become a substantial power. The tensions between the British and the French, as well as American political allegiances to either country, continued not only in Canada and on the western half of continent but in European politics.

On the domestic side of American politics, the United States faced a north-south divide that would be pervasive through the 19th and part of the 20th century. This general division was played out politically in the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties. The Federalist Party, led by John Adams and Alexander Hamilton, represented Northern interests that wanted the American economy to rely upon banking and industry to make the country viable.

The Democratic-Republican Party, represented by Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, sought the "yeoman farmer" ideal as the county expanded and solidified. One sign that this split was going to be long lasting was that Thomas Jefferson, Washington's secretary of state, resigned after his reelection in 1792 and began working toward the success of the Democratic-Republicans. These two parties defined early American politics until the "Era of Good Feelings" in the late 1810s.

George Washington was even more eager for retirement after his first term as his physical abilities became diminished and the end of his life was looming. This interest in retiring was again pushed aside by the need to maintain the strength of America and his aides encouraged him to continue as president. Once again, Washington received a unanimous vote from electors (unanimous meaning electors voted at least one ballot toward Washington) and received 132 electoral votes from thirteen states. Vice President John Adams, whom saw himself as the heir apparent to the presidency, maintained his office with 77 votes and New York politician George Clinton received 50 electoral votes.