Elisha R. Potter graduated from Harvard University and was admitted to the bar in 1832. He served in various capacities within the Rhode Island state government, including in the House of Representatives and the state Senate. Potter also held the position of state commissioner of public schools, where he influenced educational policies. His judicial career culminated in his appointment as an associate justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Potter's extensive work in state governance and his contributions to historical documentation establish a robust foundation of leadership and expertise.

Elisha R. Potter combines a commitment to state economic stability with a surprising dedication to progressive education reforms, as evidenced by his tenure as state commissioner of public schools. His role in the Law and Order Party suggests a focus on maintaining social stability, yet his involvement in shaping the state’s constitutional framework indicates an underlying ideological flexibility. Potter's annotated draft of the Rhode Island Constitution reveals a meticulous attention to legal detail, hinting at a highly localized approach to governance. His historical contributions further underscore a nuanced understanding of regional political dynamics.