WI: President Madison captured by the British

During the Battle of Bladenburg in the War of 1812, James Madison narrowly escaped capture when he went to observe the fighting. The battle turned into a rout which led to the fall of Washington DC and the flight of the entire government.

Due to the extreme poor leadership of the defenders, it was said this was the greatest humiliation in the history of American arms. What if Madison was captured? Would this shock change the outcome of the war?
 

Anaxagoras

Banned
It would not only be humiliating, but it would throw the government of the United States into total chaos, as the Constitution had no provision at the time for what to do in such an eventuality.
 
It would not only be humiliating, but it would throw the government of the United States into total chaos, as the Constitution had no provision at the time for what to do in such an eventuality.

The Constitution at that point clearly stated that if the President was in anyway unable to fufill his duties, the Vice-President would assume his role. So Elbridge Gerry will assume the powers of the Presidency until his death in November 1814, though he will most likely title himself Acting President, setting an important government precedent.

Upon Gerry's death, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate would assume the role of Acting President. Assuming no butterflies this would be John Gaillard of South Carolina.

Once the war was over, Madison would be released and in all likelihood be permitted to return for the remainder of his term.

The issue of extended Presidential Succession will come up a lot earlier ITTL I suspect.
 
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