John Adams became the first vice president of the United States after the 1788–89 election.
The election was held from December 15, 1788, to January 7, 1789, under the original presidential election system in the Constitution. Each elector cast two votes, and the candidate with the most votes became president while the runner-up became vice president.
George Washington received all 69 electoral votes cast and became the first president. Adams received 34 votes, the second-highest total, and therefore became vice president. The arrangement differed from the modern system, in which presidents and vice presidents run together on a ticket.
Adams had been a Massachusetts leader, diplomat, and prominent advocate for independence. He served as vice president during Washington’s two terms and became president himself in 1797. The Twelfth Amendment, ratified in 1804, later required electors to vote separately for president and vice president.