Election of 1800

Definition

The election of 1800 was a presidential election between incumbent President John Adams (Federalist) and Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican). It resulted in an unexpected tie between Jefferson and his running mate Aaron Burr, leading to a deadlock in Congress before Jefferson eventually won.

Related terms

Revolution of 1800: This term refers to how Thomas Jefferson's election marked a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another for the first time in American history.

Twelfth Amendment: This amendment changed the electoral process after the confusion caused by the tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. It established separate ballots for president and vice president.

Midnight Judges: These were the judges appointed by President Adams during the final hours of his term, which was seen as an attempt to maintain Federalist influence in the judiciary.