Daniel D. Tompkins practiced law in New York City, served in the state assembly, and won election to Congress in 1804. He resigned before taking that seat to become a justice of the New York Supreme Court. Elected governor in 1807, he remained in office for ten years, supporting improvements in schooling, militia organization and criminal law. He also urged a final end to slavery, recommending the 1827 emancipation date adopted by the legislature in 1817.

During the War of 1812, Tompkins raised troops and strengthened New York's defenses. When public funding fell short, he advanced money and used personal credit for military expenditure. He declined Madison's offer of the State Department in 1814 to continue his wartime duties. Inadequate records and disputes over reimbursement later left him facing debts and accusations about the accounts, consuming much of his remaining public life.

Chosen as James Monroe's running mate in 1816, Tompkins served two terms as vice president from 1817 to 1825. Financial troubles, illness and heavy drinking limited his attendance as the Senate's presiding officer. He unsuccessfully sought the New York governorship again in 1820 and presided over the state's constitutional convention in 1821. His Staten Island interests included developing Tompkinsville and transportation links. Although cleared and reimbursed for public advances, he did not recover stability. He died at his Staten Island home in June 1825, shortly after leaving office.