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James Polk

11th President (1845-1849)

Born: November 2, 1795
Died: June 15, 1849

Vice Presidents: George Mifflin Dallas

Political Party: Democratic

Next President: Zachary Taylor

Previous President: John Tyler

Books About James Polk

Notable James Polk Quotes

"One great object of the Constitution was to restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon their just rights."

"The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the Government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves."

The Only President to...

James Polk was the only Speaker of the House of Representatives ever to be elected President of the United States.

Interesting James Polk Facts

At the time of his inauguration, Polk was the youngest man ever to be President of the United States.

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He was the first U.S. President not to seek re-election. He retired after his first term and died just three months later at the age of 53.

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