The Presidential Election of 1800

Dirty Politics, Redefined.

The Candidates

Federalists President John Adams Charles Pinckney - US Minister to France -pro-manufacturing and trade -supports strong Central government  

Democratic-Republicans Vice-President Thomas Jefferson Senator Aaron Burr -pro-agriculture -supports strong state governments

The Federalists' Main Target:

Thomas Jefferson Federalists called himan atheist who would: allow Democratic-Republicans to murderFederalists. burn churches destroy the country

Democratic-Republican complaints:

Democratic-Republicans were somewhat suppressed from criticizing Adams because of the Sedition Act. They did criticize the Federalists for supporting Britain and wanting to make themselves into royalty.

Backroom dealings and dirty politics

Alexander Hamilton and a group of so-called "High Federalists," conspired to sabotage Adams and get Pinckney elected. However, Hamilton's plans were exposed and his whole scheme backfired and split the Federalist Party, allowing the Democratic-Republicans to win out.  .....but......

Problems

Jefferson won the popular vote by a high percentage (61.4%), but he finished in a tie with Aaron Burr, the other Democratic-Republican. Since there was a tie, the election went to the House of Representatives. From February 11-17 of 1801, the House voted 35 times with no winner.  Alexander Hamilton furiously tried to convince many Federalists to vote for Jefferson.  He said he supported Jefferson because he was "by far not so dangerous a man" as Burr.  He'd rather have a president with the "wrong" principles, than someone (like Burr) who appeared to have none.

Results?

On the 36th Ballot, Jefferson was elected. Aaron Burr became Vice-President.  After one term, he was dropped and then lost an election for Governor of New York. He blamed Hamilton for his personal failures and challenged him to a duel. On July 11, 1804, the two had a pistol duel.  Hamilton was killed.  

The 12th Amendment

To prevent another fiasco like this one, the 12th Amendment was put through and ratified. The amendment provides that the President and Vice-President will be voted on separately.   In case of an electoral tie, the President is voted on by the House, and the Vice-President by the Senate.