*Party division totals are based on election day results.
Democrats and Whigs emerged as formal party organizations and dominated the 1836 elections. Democrats opened the 25th Congress (1837–1839) amid widespread financial collapse, and quickly ordered new Treasury notes to help relieve the pressure on America’s economy. The House continued its effort to gag antislavery petitions despite opposition from former President and now Massachusetts Representative John Quincy Adams. Congress also banned challenging or accepting a duel in the District of Columbia after Kentucky Representative William Graves shot and killed Maine Representative Jonathan Cilley.
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To view complete lists of individuals who have served in these leadership and official positions since the 1st Congress, visit the People section
1It is assumed that McCormick was the Postmaster during the 25th Congress, but the documentation is sparse.