Trends.

From the controversial election of 1824, when popular-vote totals were first counted, to the election of 1848, presidential elections were, with a few exceptions, close contests. Popular candidates, such as Andrew Jackson, won significant victories over their opponents. Because both major parties offered clear and competing ideologies and programs, elections were vital to the nation's political direction and to the parties themselves. In order to implement their policies, parties had to win. For this reason voter turnout was high, and the fate of the nation seemed to hang in the balance every four years.

1816.

James Madison, following precedent, retired from office after his second term. James Monroe was secretary of state, holding the office that had traditionally been a stepping-stone to the presidency. William Crawford halfheartedly challenged Monroe, but the Republican caucus selected Monroe as the party's nominee. The Federalists, discredited by the Hartford Convention...