Why did James Monroe leave office?
James Monroe was following the example set by President Washington, just serve two terms. That precedent was not broken until Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to serve four terms as Chief Executive. Monroe became a Regent of the Univ. of Virginia following his term as President and a member of the Virginia constitutional convention of 1829. He had neglected his private affairs while serving his state and nation, and was forced to sell his plantation to avoid bankruptcy. He died practically penniless on 4 July 1831.