Nathaniel Alexander earned a bachelor's degree from the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, before serving in the American Revolutionary War as a surgeon. Following his military service, he practiced medicine and transitioned into public service, being elected to various state and federal positions. Alexander's leadership roles included serving in the North Carolina House of Commons, the North Carolina Senate, and the United States House of Representatives. He also served two terms as governor of North Carolina, during which he managed significant state initiatives and boundary dispute resolutions. Post-governorship, Alexander contributed to the expansion of the state's judicial and educational systems and held a leadership role at The University of North Carolina.

Nathaniel Alexander's political identity is marked by an unexpected convergence of Democratic-Republican ideals with support from Federalist factions, particularly evident in his boundary dispute resolution and judicial system expansion. His strategic focus on regional stability and educational growth suggests a highly localized approach to governance. Alexander's rhetorical style likely emphasizes the practical benefits of his policies, appealing to both ideological camps through calculated policy combinations.