1816

 

__________ 

“The existence of parties is not necessary to free government.” 

President James Monroe

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THE FEDERALIST PARTY was “shattered” in 1816, as Harry Ammon writes, and offered only token opposition during the presidential election. The Electoral College vote: 183 for James Monroe, 34 for Rufus King. 

In those days, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia were the most populous states, with 29, 25, and 25 electoral votes, respectively.

What was to come.