John Tyler's Presidency and Policies

John Tyler and George Washington were the only U.S. presidents without a political party, with Washington's choice being voluntary. Tyler, born into an aristocratic Virginia family, was a staunch supporter of states' rights and opposed President Andrew Jackson's policies. He joined the Whig Party to counter Jackson, becoming vice president in 1840. After President Harrison's death, Tyler assumed the presidency, insisting on full presidential powers. His tenure was marked by conflicts with the Whigs, who expelled him after he vetoed their National Bank bill. Despite these challenges, Tyler remained committed to his beliefs, arranging the annexation of Texas before leaving office. He continued advocating for states' rights until his death in 1862 as a Confederate Congress member.

Which two presidents did not belong to a political party?

• John Tyler and George Washington

• John Tyler and Thomas Jefferson

• Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln

• George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

Why did John Tyler oppose President Andrew Jackson?

• He disliked Jackson's foreign policies

• He believed Jackson overstepped state rights

• He wanted to form his own political party

• He disagreed with Jackson's economic policies

What event led to John Tyler becoming president?

• He was appointed by Congress

• He succeeded after President Harrison's death

• He was elected after a national vote

• He won a Supreme Court decision

How did Tyler's relationship with the Whig party change during his presidency?

• He became the leader of the Whig party

• He was expelled from the party

• He formed a coalition with the Whigs

• He remained a loyal Whig member

What major action did Tyler take in his last days in office?

• He declared war on Mexico

• He arranged for the annexation of Texas

• He signed a peace treaty with Britain

• He passed a major tax reform

What did Tyler continue to fight for after his presidency?

• Military expansion

• Economic reforms

• States' rights

• Federal power

In what capacity did Tyler serve until his death in 1862?

• As a member of the Confederate Congress

• As a governor of Virginia

• As a U.S. Senator

• As a Supreme Court Justice