1800
The 1800 U.S. presidential election was won by Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) with 73 of 138 electoral votes, defeating John Adams (Federalist). Electoral vote margin: 8 EV; turnout 32.3%. The election was decided by the U.S. House of Representatives after no candidate won an Electoral College majority. The cycle falls in the First Party System era of American electoral history.
A peaceful transfer under stress
Jefferson and his running mate Aaron Burr each received 73 electoral votes, creating a tie that threw the election to the House of Representatives. After 36 ballots, Alexander Hamilton's behind-the-scenes support for Jefferson over the scheming Burr broke the deadlock. Jefferson's victory marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties, later called the 'Revolution of 1800.' The 12th Amendment was subsequently passed to prevent future ties between running mates.
Federalist power vs. Democratic-Republican principles; Alien and Sedition Acts
Tie between Jefferson and Burr sent election to the House; led to the 12th Amendment
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