In the colonies, respect for elders was emphasized, and those who ran for office and won were often local elites. They competed with one another and needed to win votes from ordinary people. Candidates would form alliances with their relatives, friends, and neighbors. On election days, people traveled from the countryside to the capital to enjoy festivities, engage in networking, meet influential individuals, reconnect with old friends, listen to speeches, and simultaneously eat, drink, host banquets, and play games or gamble. Names were loudly called out during voting, with supporters cheering and opponents booing. George Washington once spent $39 entertaining his supporters.

Elections were like a carnival, where everyone was equal on election day, with voter turnout ranging from 20% to 40%. Adult white men had the right to vote. All thirteen colonies had established effective electoral and self-governing systems.