John Tyler's Political Legacy

John Tyler became president after William Henry Harrison's death in 1841, setting a precedent for vice-presidential succession. Despite joining the Whig Party, Tyler often clashed with its platform, leading to numerous vetoes and his eventual expulsion. His presidency saw the annexation of Texas, and he later sided with the Confederacy. Historians generally view his presidency as mediocre.

What significant precedent did John Tyler set when he became president?

• He was the first president to live in the White House.

• He was the first vice president to become president due to the death of the incumbent.

• He was the first president to be impeached.

• He was the first president to declare war.

Why did John Tyler leave the Democratic Party?

• He wanted to run for president as an independent.

• He disagreed with Jackson's threat to use force against South Carolina.

• He wanted to support the abolition of slavery.

• He was offered a better position in the Whig Party.

What was a major reason for Tyler's conflict with the Whig Party?

• He wanted to increase taxes.

• He believed much of the Whig platform was unconstitutional.

• He wanted to expand the military.

• He supported the Democratic Party's policies.

What was the outcome of Tyler's use of veto power?

• He never used his veto power.

• He was the first president to have a veto overridden by Congress.

• He successfully passed all his vetoes.

• He was impeached for overusing his veto power.

What happened to Tyler after he was expelled from the Whig Party?

• He ran for re-election as an independent.

• He joined the Democratic Party.

• He withdrew from the presidential race.

• He formed a new political party.

Which significant event did Congress authorize during Tyler's last days in office?

• The abolition of slavery.

• The start of the Civil War.

• The annexation of Texas.

• The annexation of California.

What was John Tyler's stance during the American Civil War?

• He supported the Union.

• He remained neutral.

• He sided with the Confederacy.

• He left the country.

How do historians generally view John Tyler's presidency?

• As a time of significant economic growth.

• As part of a series of mediocre presidencies before the Civil War.

• As a period of great innovation.

• As one of the most successful before the Civil War.