The American Presidential Election of 1848

The 16th presidential election in 1848 was the first to occur on the same day nationwide. James Polk, having achieved his goals, did not seek re-election. The Democrats nominated Lewis Cass, while the Free Soil Party, led by Martin Van Buren, emerged to oppose slavery's expansion. The Whigs nominated war hero Zachary Taylor, who won the presidency with Millard Fillmore as vice president. The election saw Taylor's vague political stance and the Whigs' shift in war criticism. Taylor's victory marked the Whig Party's last presidential win.

What was significant about the 16th presidential election in American history?

• It was the first election held on a Monday.

• It was the first election held on the same day in every state.

• It was the first election where women could vote.

• It was the first election with only one candidate.

Which political party did Martin Van Buren join after losing the Democratic nomination?

• Liberty Party

• Whig Party

• Free Soil Party

• Republican Party

Why was General Zachary Taylor an attractive candidate for the Whigs?

• He was a well-known politician.

• He was a former president.

• He was a war hero from the Mexican-American War.

• He had strong political views.

Who became the 12th president of the United States after the 1848 election?

• Zachary Taylor

• Martin Van Buren

• James Polk

• Lewis Cass

What was a notable feature of the 1848 presidential election results?

• The election was decided by a single vote.

• The two leading candidates evenly split the states for the electoral vote.

• The election was the first to use electronic voting machines.

• The election had the highest voter turnout in history.