The oddities of the first American election - Kenneth C. Davis | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The first presidential election in the United States took place in 1789, when George Washington became the first president. The election process was different from modern times, with no political parties, campaigns, or organized candidates.

Key Insights

• 🇺🇸 The first presidential election in the United States took place in 1789 when George Washington became the first president.
• 🥳 There were no political parties, campaigns, or organized candidates during this election.
• 🏃 Electors from each state voted for two names, with the winner becoming president and the runner-up becoming vice president.
• ❓ The selection of electors was determined differently across states.
• 👻 Only six states allowed the people to vote for electors, while others relied on the legislature to choose them.
• 😉 George Washington won the first presidential election easily and became the first president.
• 👻 American democracy and elections have evolved significantly since then, with changes in the constitution allowing more people to vote.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What was the election process like when George Washington became the first president?

The election process did not involve political parties, campaigns, or organized candidates. Electors from each state voted for two names, with the winner becoming president and the runner-up becoming vice president.

Q: How were the electors chosen?

The selection of electors varied across states. Some states allowed the people to vote for electors, while others relied on the legislature to choose them.

Q: Who won the first presidential election in the United States?

George Washington won the first presidential election easily, with John Adams finishing second and becoming the vice president.

Q: How did George Washington react to his victory?

George Washington was not surprised by his victory. He had already packed his bags and moved to New York City, the nation's temporary capital, to figure out his role as the first president.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States without any formal election campaign.

• The election process involved electors from each state casting votes for two names, with the winner becoming president and the runner-up becoming vice president.

• Only six states allowed the people to vote for electors, while others relied on the legislature to choose them.