Incumbents
- President: James Buchanan (Democratic) (until March 4), Abraham Lincoln (Republican/National Union) (starting March 4)
- Vice President: John C. Breckinridge (Democratic) (until March 4), Hannibal Hamlin (Republican) (starting March 4)
- Chief Justice: Roger B. Taney
- Speaker of the House of Representatives: William Pennington (R-New Jersey) (until March 4), Galusha A. Grow (R-Pennsylvania) (starting July 4)
- Congress: 36th (until March 4), 37th (starting March 4)
Read more about this topic: 1861 In The United States