1788-89 United States Presidential Election (American Confederation)

The 1788-89 United States Presidential Election was the first Presidential election in American history. Under the Constitution of the Confederation of the United States each state's delegation would vote on how to cast their state's one vote for President. A simple majority of just eight states was needed to win. The Constitution forbid any federal Commonwealth leader (Such as Prime Minister or President) was forbidden from running without resigning. This clause cast out the potential of Virginia President George Washington, Virginia Prime Minister Thomas Jefferson, and New England Prime Minister John Adams from running, all of whom were seen as easy choices. Former South Carolina Governor John Rutledge gained the endorsement of Prime Minister Adams, President King, and most notably, President Washington. Rutledge won on a landslide, with the only state voting against him being Virginia, who cast their votes for Samuel Adams of Massachusetts despite him not being a contender.

Rutledge would continue his term as President until retiring from public life following the end of his third term in office.