The Election of 1808 marked another decisive victory for the Democratic-Republicans as James Madison succeeded Thomas Jefferson in the presidency. Yet this was no easy coronation: the fallout from Jefferson’s Embargo Act of 1807, combined with growing dissent within the Democratic-Republican ranks, made this election a critical moment in early U.S. history.
The Embargo Act of 1807
Thomas Jefferson, following Washington’s precedent, declined a third term. His decision firmly cemented the two-term tradition that Washington had begun in 1796 — a practice that would endure until Franklin D. Roosevelt and later be codified in the 22nd Amendment (1951).
While Jefferson remained personally popular, his reputation was badly damaged by the Embargo Act of 1807. Intended to punish Britain for seizing American ships and impressing sailors, the law halted all U.S. trade with foreign nations. Britain, with its vast empire, weathered the embargo with little difficulty. American merchants, however — especially in New England — faced economic ruin.
The embargo also had unexpected effects:
- Smuggling surged, especially across the Canadian border.
- Domestic manufacturing grew, as Americans were forced to produce goods previously imported.
But politically, the law was a disaster. By 1808, many Americans were desperate for change — though Jefferson’s control of his party ensured that his chosen successor would inherit the mantle.
The Democratic-Republican Ticket
Jefferson’s Secretary of State, James Madison, was the frontrunner. Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” Madison had shaped America’s political foundations by:
- Co-authoring The Federalist Papers.
- Drafting the Bill of Rights.
- Steering foreign policy throughout Jefferson’s presidency.
Still, Madison’s nomination was not without controversy. Many chafed at the dominance of the “Virginia Dynasty” — Washington, Jefferson, and now Madison, all Virginians. Others distrusted Madison’s Federalist past, branding him a D.R.I.N.O. (Democratic-Republican In Name Only).
Challengers briefly emerged:
- James Monroe, ambassador to Britain, who disliked Jefferson’s rapid expansionist policies.
- George Clinton, Jefferson’s vice president, who was suggested by some as an alternative.
In the end, Madison carried the nomination, with George Clinton kept on the ticket to preserve party unity. Clinton thus became the first vice president re-elected under a different president.
The Federalist Ticket: Pinckney’s Comeback
The Federalists, sensing opportunity, again turned to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, with Rufus King as his running mate. Pinckney’s Southern background and King’s Northern ties offered geographic balance, and they campaigned heavily on opposition to the embargo.
Federalist attacks included:
- Calling the embargo unconstitutional and ruinous.
- Warning Jefferson and Madison had endangered U.S. sovereignty against Britain and France.
- Reviving personal scandals, including accusations about Jefferson’s relationship with Sally Hemings.
They gained traction in New England, where the embargo’s effects were most devastating. But their appeal elsewhere remained limited, as the party continued to shrink into a regional stronghold.
The Results
Despite the anger over the embargo, Madison won decisively:
- James Madison (Democratic-Republican) – 122 electoral votes; 64.7% of the popular vote
- Charles C. Pinckney (Federalist) – 47 electoral votes; 32.4% of the popular vote
- George Clinton (Democratic-Republican) – 6 electoral votes (from faithless New York electors)
Pinckney carried Connecticut, Delaware, and parts of New England, with scattered support in Maryland and North Carolina. But Madison dominated the South, West, and much of the Mid-Atlantic.
The protest votes for Clinton highlighted divisions even within the Democratic-Republican coalition, though not enough to threaten Madison’s victory.
Significance
The Election of 1808 underscored several key developments:
- Jefferson’s departure cemented the two-term tradition, strengthening a precedent that shaped the presidency for over a century.
- The Democratic-Republicans remained dominant, even in the face of unpopular policies.
- The Federalists improved slightly on their 1804 performance, but their power was shrinking to New England.
- George Clinton’s protest votes showed cracks in Democratic-Republican unity, foreshadowing future internal struggles.
- Most importantly, the election made clear that foreign policy — and America’s place between Britain and France — would dominate Madison’s presidency.
Legacy
The Election of 1808 built upon the Election of 1804, when Jefferson’s landslide cemented Democratic-Republican control. Four years later, that control held, but dissent over the embargo and regional divisions hinted at storm clouds ahead.
Next came the Election of 1812, when Madison would seek re-election amid the outbreak of war with Britain. That contest would test both his leadership and the nation’s willingness to endure its first major foreign conflict since independence.