Presidential election
1796 presidential election
John Adams defeated Thomas Jefferson, winning 71 of 138 electoral votes.
Results
20.1%
Turnout rate
66.8K
Total votes cast
600.0K
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 15 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +11% |
| New York(NY) | 12 | FederalistAdams | +100% |
| Virginia(VA) | 21 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +100% |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 16 | FederalistAdams | +100% |
| South Carolina(SC) | 8 | FederalistAdams | 0% |
Candidates
Party
FederalistRunning mate
Thomas Pinckney
Home state
Massachusetts
Age at election
61
Previous position
Vice President of the United States
Electoral votes
71
Party
Democratic-RepublicanRunning mate
Aaron Burr
Home state
Virginia
Age at election
53
Previous position
Secretary of State
Electoral votes
68
Northern States
Adams
58%
Southern States
Jefferson
75%
Key events
Washington's Farewell Address
Warned against parties and foreign entanglements
Jay Treaty
Controversial treaty with Britain divided nation
Issues & context
First contested presidential election. Washington declined third term. Political parties emerged despite warnings. Under original Constitution, runner-up became VP, creating Adams-Jefferson administration of opposing parties.
Stability under Hamilton's system. Trade recovering after Revolution. Bank of United States functioning. Western land speculation.
Washington not running. Adams was heir apparent as VP. Jefferson led opposition. Hamilton schemed against Adams despite same party.
First contested election. First transfer of power from incumbent. President and VP from opposing parties (corrected by 12th Amendment). Established two-party tradition.
Did you know?
- 1.First contested presidential election
- 2.Jefferson became VP despite being Adams's opponent
- 3.Hamilton tried to manipulate Electoral College against Adams
- 4.Only election where President and VP opposed each other
- 5.Last election before 12th Amendment changed VP selection