The American Vote
Era of Good FeelingsCycle 9 / 60

1820

James Monroe and the 1820 map.
James Monroe (Democratic-Republican) defeated John Quincy Adams (Democratic-Republican).

The 1820 U.S. presidential election was won by James Monroe (Democratic-Republican) with 231 of 232 electoral votes, defeating John Quincy Adams (Democratic-Republican). Electoral vote margin: 230 EV; turnout 10.1%. The cycle falls in the Era of Good Feelings era of American electoral history.

Monroe
231 EV
Adams
1 EV
0270 to win → 117232
The map · 1820
24 states for D-R · 24 for D-R
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Narrative

James Monroe and the 1820 map

Monroe ran virtually unopposed as the only significant candidate, winning all but one electoral vote in the height of the 'Era of Good Feelings.' Elector William Plumer of New Hampshire cast his presidential ballot for John Quincy Adams, reportedly either in protest or to preserve Washington's record as the only unanimously elected president. Three other electors died before voting. This was the last election before the Democratic-Republican Party fractured into competing factions.

Key issue

National unity and the Missouri Compromise over slavery

Notable

Monroe ran nearly unopposed; one elector voted for John Quincy Adams