Presidency of James K. Polk

James K. Polk served as the 11th president of the United States from March 4, 1845, to March 4, 1849. A Democrat, Polk assumed office after defeating Whig Henry Clay in the 1844 presidential election. Polk left office after one term, fulfilling a campaign pledge he made in 1844, and he was succeeded by Whig Zachary Taylor. A close ally of Andrew Jackson, Polk's presidency reflected his adherence to the ideals of Jacksonian democracy and manifest destiny.