In the Elections of 1800, the electoral college failed again as a result of the rise and influence of political parties. Similarly, the Federalist party lost control of both houses of Congress as well as the executive office. Jefferson called this the "Revolution of 1800."

1. The Election of 1800
The Revolution of 1800

2. Topics
• Election of 1800
• Breakdown of the Electoral College
• Hamilton and Burr are not Friends
• A peaceful revolution
• Jefferson’s policies as president

3. The Election of 1800
Presidential Vice Presidential
Collapse of the Election Candidates Candidates
Process
• Candidates were Adams and
Federalists
Pinckney against Jefferson
and Burr
• Tie occurred between
Adams Pinckney
Jefferson and Burr: 73-73
• Burr refused to cede (give up)
Republicans
his Vice Presidential role
• How did this happen? Click
here to learn more
Jefferson Burr

4. The Election of 1800
What happens when there’s
a tie?
• The House of Representatives
decides, each state counting as
one vote Jefferson Burr
• There were 16 states at the time
• 35 ballots were cast, each one
resulting in a 8-8 tie
• Hamilton petitioned that
Jefferson represented the lesser
of two evils and on vote #36,
Jefferson was chosen as President
and Burr became vice-president

5. The Revolution of 1800
• Historically, when political power was
transferred from one group to the next it
was accompanied with bloodshed and
violence
• But this was a peaceful revolution where a
democratic election ushered in a new party
with no protest or rebellion!

6. Republicans Federalists
IN OUT
The Revolution of 1800

7. Jefferson’s Policies
He also wanted to ease disputes
As President, Jefferson wanted
between the parties
to reduce the power of the
national government • He held onto Federalist
officeholders as long as they
• He reduced the size of the
were doing their jobs well
army and navy, cutting
• He paid state debts with
spending and positions
federal funds
• The number of government
employees was lowered, He also:
including diplomats, and all
• Promoted He promoted and
tax collectors were fired
imposed laissez-faire (“let it
• He eliminated all federal
be”) economic policies
taxes (thereby not needing
• Made Sedition Act ineffective
collectors)

8. Jefferson’s Policies