Presidential Election of 1836

The Presidential Election of 1836 The presidential election of 1836 is often overlooked in the matter of importance of United States elections. Common opinion is that it was an insignificant election that was a runaway by the Democrats because the Whigs could not agree on a candidate. However, the election was important in the fact that there was once again a two party system. The election was not as convincing a victory for the Democrats as is …

…that occurred in the house during this election. “The sectional identification of candidates brought about relatively even competition in all parts of the country,” (4, 19.) The basis was now set for the second two-party system of the United States. Whigs realized they would have to unite and appeal to the common man if they were to win a presidential election, but for now the Jackson Democrats maintained their hold on the presidency of the United States.