1792: President Washington decides not to seek re-election and Vice President John Adams is elected President over George Clinton and Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Pinckney is elected Vice President. 1795: Former Chief Justice John Jay negotiates a treaty with Great Britain in order to prevent a war between the two nations. In spite of opposition from the Democratic-Republicans Adams signs the treaty and the Senate confirms it. 1796: Vice President Thomas Pinckney is elected President to succeed Adams. However, Thomas Jefferson was elected Vice President instead Oliver Ellsworth, Pinckney's choice.