American Presidents

Both of President James Madison's vice presidents died in office. The "Acting Vice President" was next in line to be president until a new vice president was elected. Meet the first two of these unknown but important men.

There was a time, prior to the Presidential Succession Act of 1886, when the President Pro Tem of the Senate was called the ACting Vice President. Ten men have held this unofficial office, one of them even serving for one day as Acting President.

A brief look at some of the humorous stories from the three White House races of William Jennings Bryan.

William Jennings Bryan was the only person to be runner-up in a Presidential election three times. He was also the youngest person ever nominated for President by a major political party. Although his government service only included four years in the U.S. House of Representatives and two years as Secretary of ...

Two men hold the record for losing a race for the White House three times. This article will examine the first of these truly remarkable politicians, one called the Great Compromiser and the other called the Great Commoner.

The basic differences between the two original parties could not be resolved through the normal political process. These incompatible views of government were evantually resolved by the Civil War. See what led to this inevitable conflict.

Their basic differences in their view of mankind and the role of government led the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans to take very different stands on the issues facing them.

The first two parties differed on basic philosophy about mankind, politics and the nature of government. At least you know what each party stood for, even if you disagreed.

John Adams was caught between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. They wanted a war and he didn't. Adams worked to continue Washington's policy of neutrality, which became increasingly difficult. He even went so far as to prepare for war but managed to maintain the peace. See how in this article.

John Adams inherited George Washington's problems with European conflicts and American neutrality. John Adams also tried to steer a neutral course, and only his determination prevented the United States from being forced to join the war between England and France. With most of the United States political leaders taking sides, Adams ...