USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -He served as Speaker between 1835 and 1839, leaving to become Governor of Tennessee. Until circumstances raised Polk’s ambitions, he was a leading contender for the Democratic nomination for Vice President in 1844.

Detailed explanation-2: -James K. Polk was a seven-term U.S. Congressman, Speaker of the House, Governor of Tennessee, and the 11th President of the United States. He was a Jacksonian Democrat, a faithful supporter of his friend and mentor, Andrew Jackson.

Detailed explanation-3: -Scholars have ranked Polk favorably on lists of greatest presidents for his ability to promote, obtain support for, and achieve all of the major items on his presidential agenda. However, he has also been criticized for leading the country into war against Mexico and for exacerbating sectional divides.

Detailed explanation-4: -After handing over the reins of government to his successor, Zachary Taylor, the Whig candidate whom he had correctly suspected of planning to use his Mexican War heroism to seek the presidency, Polk embarked on an extensive tour of the southern states.

Detailed explanation-5: -Democrat James K. Polk defeated Whig Henry Clay in a close contest turning on the controversial issues of slavery and the annexation of the Republic of Texas. This is the only election where both major party nominees served as Speaker of the House at one point. Presidential election results map.