Elbridge Thomas Gerry was an American Founding Father, merchant, politician, and diplomat, who as a member of the Second Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation. From 1813 until his death in 1814, he served as the fifth vice president of the United States under President James Madison. The political practice of gerrymandering is named after him.

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Overview

Elbridge Thomas Gerry was an American Founding Father, merchant, politician, and diplomat, who as a member of the Second Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation. From 1813 until his death in 1814, he served as the fifth vice president of the United States under President James Madison. The political practice of gerrymandering is named after him.

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Notable quotes

“The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots.”
— Constitutional Convention Monday May 31 [FN1], 1787
“A standing army is like a standing member. It's an excellent assurance of domestic tranquility, but a dangerous temptation to foreign adventure.”
— Constitutional Convention (1787)

Quotes via Wikiquote (CC BY-SA), each with its original source.