Originally called the "Holy Alliance", it was instituted by Martin Van Buren, who remained its dominating spirit for many years.
The spoils system they had created would dominate late-19th-century American politics, but in the beginning, observed the technical qualifications of the candidates for office they nominated.
Roger Skinner, state printer Edwin Croswell, Benjamin Knower, John Adams Dix, and Charles E. Dudley also became members of the Regency.
[4] The Regency was powerful enough during this era that it largely dictated policy to New York City's Tammany Hall Democratic organization.
[5] The Regency ended when Marcy was defeated in the election for Governor of New York by the opposing Whig's candidate William H. Seward in 1838, which led to a radical change in state politics.