James Monroe political career developed quickly

James Monroe’s political career officially began in 1782 when James Monroe was chosen to serve in the Virginia Assembly. He was elected to the Congress of the Confederation in November 1783 after serving on Virginia's Executive Council. He remained at Annapolis until Congress met in Trenton, New Jersey, in June 1784.

He was elected to the Confederation's Congresses and served in that capacity up to 1786. By the rotational rule, he had held that position for a total of three years before eventually retiring. As a member of Congress, Monroe developed a strong support for western settlement and was instrumental in the creation and adoption of the Northwest Ordinance.

When Monroe made the decision to run for the Senate in 1790, he was elected and went on to lead the Democratic-Republican Party. Monroe was also chosen by President George Washington to serve as the United States ambassador to France in 1794, a position he held for two years until 1796, despite the fact that he only held it for four years in the Senate. After winning a subsequent election, James Monroe was appointed Governor of Virginia in 1799. He later turned into one of Jefferson's most ardent supporters in the 1800 presidential race.