George Clinton as Vice President

Background and Rise to Vice Presidency

• Birth and Early Life:
  • Born in 1739 in New York.
  • Father was a military man; served in the French and Indian War, achieving the rank of Lieutenant.
• Legal and Political Career:
  • Began practicing law in 1764 and became district attorney.
  • Aligned with anti-British Livingston faction.
  • Became an assemblyman, introduced legislation supporting Continental Congress resolutions.
  • Served in Continental Congress and as Brigadier General of New York militia.
• Governorship and Political Influence:
  • First Governor of New York in 1777, maintained office through British occupation.
  • Developed Clintonian faction, supporting less aristocratic policies.
  • Opposed the new Constitution until a Bill of Rights was included.

Presidential Elections and Vice Presidency

• Early Presidential Bids:
  • Received electoral votes in 1789 and 1792 elections as a vice presidential candidate but did not win.
  • Supported by the Democratic-Republican party against Federalists' Adams.
• 1804 Election and Vice Presidency:
  • Chosen as Jefferson's Vice President after Aaron Burr; elected in a landslide.
  • Assumed office in 1805, struggled with legislative procedures and Senate duties.
  • Largely sidelined by Jefferson; Clinton's role was nominal.

Accomplishments and Challenges

• Senate Role and Influence:
  • Rarely presided over Senate unless crucial; broke a tie for John Armstrong's appointment.
  • Disagreed with Jefferson on preparing for potential war.
• Presidential Aspirations:
  • Considered running for President in 1808 but ultimately re-nominated for VP.
  • Opposed Madison's policies, cast tie-breaking vote against First Bank of the U.S.

Legacy and Impact

• Death and Historical Impact:
  • Died in 1812, became first politician to lie in state in Washington, D.C.
  • Office of VP remained vacant as no constitutional replacement existed.
• Influence on Descendants:
  • Nephew DeWitt Clinton opposed Madison in 1812 election and later achieved recognition as New York Governor, notable for Erie Canal.
• Senate Influence:
  • Cast 14 tie-breaking votes, reflecting small government beliefs.

Overall Significance

• Vice Presidency as a Working Retirement:
  • Clinton's role marked by continuations of past political trends and internal party dynamics.
  • His vice presidency did not significantly alter his already established influence.