DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828) played a dominant role in politics in New York State during the first quarter of the 19th Century. DeWitt got his start working as the secretary for his uncle George Clinton, who was governor of New York at the time. Serving as a United States senator, he contributed to the 12th Amendment, and embedded party politics in the fabric of the constitution. He developed new forms of party politics such as the Spoils System. Historians say his greatest achievement was the Erie Canal, which represented Clinton’s belief that government should play an active role in the economic and intellectual development of American Society. He served as mayor of New York City from 1803 to 1815, and as governor of New York State from 1817 to 1822 and 1825 to 1828. As mayor of New York City, he was a diligent advocate in founding the public school system. He believed that cultural and educational opportunities were crucial to the development of New York society, and that the government was responsible for promoting the spread of economic and intellectual opportunities for New Yorkers.