Description
Martin Van Buren was a senator from New York. He was the first president to have been born a United States citizen. All his predecessors were born before the Revolution, as British subjects. He was raised in a Dutch household and was the only president who did not speak English as his first language. Martin Van Buren played a key role in organizing the Democratic Party and was a dominant figure in the Second Party System. Van Buren was secretary of state and vice president under Andrew Jackson. He was opposed to the annexation of Texas. His administration was plagued by the Panic of 1837 and the depression that followed. He lost his bid for reelection when he ran on the single-issue Free Soil or (Anti-Slavery) Party.
The United States Senate and House of Representatives comprise the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Each state has two senators regardless of the state’s population. U.S. senators serve staggered terms of six years. Prior to 1913, senators were appointed by their state legislatures. This changed with the 17th Amendment, which mandated senators be elected by popular vote. The Senate has the power to ratify treaties and to confirm cabinet secretaries, federal judges, Supreme Court justices, and other federal executive officials.
Martin Van Buren was a member of the U.S. Senate prior to his election as president. Many of the men who become president and vice president first served in Congress as members of the House of Representatives or in the U.S. Senate. A number of these individuals first served in their state government as governor, state senator or in their state House of Representatives.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
