Presidential election
1800 presidential election
Thomas Jefferson won the 1800 election in the U.S. House of Representatives after no candidate secured an electoral majority.
Results
32.3%
Turnout rate
67.3K
Total votes cast
700.0K
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 15 | SplitJefferson/Adams | 0% |
| New York(NY) | 12 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +100% |
| Virginia(VA) | 21 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +100% |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 16 | FederalistAdams | +100% |
| South Carolina(SC) | 8 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +100% |
Candidates
Party
Democratic-RepublicanRunning mate
Aaron Burr
Home state
Virginia
Age at election
57
Previous position
Vice President of the United States
Electoral votes
73
Party
FederalistRunning mate
Charles C. Pinckney
Home state
Massachusetts
Age at election
65
Previous position
2nd President of the United States (Incumbent)
Electoral votes
65
Northern States
Adams
53%
Southern States
Jefferson
85%
Key events
House Election
36 ballots required to break Jefferson-Burr tie
Alien and Sedition Acts
Federalist laws suppressing dissent backfired
Issues & context
Called 'Revolution of 1800.' First peaceful transfer of power between parties. Electoral College tie between Jefferson and Burr sent election to House. Hamilton's influence gave Jefferson the win. Led to 12th Amendment.
Post-Quasi War with France. Trade recovering. Land speculation in West. Hamilton's financial system functioning but controversial.
Adams lost Federalist support with peace overture to France. Alien and Sedition Acts unpopular. Federalist Party split between Adams and Hamilton factions.
First peaceful transfer between opposing parties. Established American democratic tradition. Led to 12th Amendment fixing Electoral College. Virginia Dynasty began. Federalists never recovered presidency.
Did you know?
- 1.Called 'Revolution of 1800' by Jefferson
- 2.36 House ballots required to break tie
- 3.Hamilton endorsed Jefferson over Burr
- 4.Led directly to Burr-Hamilton duel in 1804
- 5.First truly partisan election campaign