The American Vote
First Party SystemCycle 2 / 60

1792

George Washington and the 1792 map.
George Washington (Independent) defeated John Adams (Federalist).

The 1792 U.S. presidential election was won by George Washington (Independent) with 132 of 264 electoral votes, defeating John Adams (Federalist). Electoral vote margin: 55 EV; turnout 6.3%. The cycle falls in the First Party System era of American electoral history.

Washington
132 EV
Adams
77 EV
Other
55 EV
0270 to win → 133264
The map · 1792
15 states for Ind · 0 for Fed
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Narrative

George Washington and the 1792 map

Washington was again unanimously elected president by all electors who cast presidential ballots. The vice-presidential contest was more competitive, with John Adams defeating George Clinton of New York. Political factions were forming around Hamilton's Federalists and Jefferson's Democratic-Republicans, though Washington himself remained above party. This was the last election with a unanimous presidential choice.

Key issue

Maintaining national unity amid rising partisan divisions

Notable

Last election where Washington ran; political parties were forming in the background