The Election of 1800

The Election of 1800

Washington's Farewell address - 3 dangers

In his farewell address, he urged the political leaders of the time not to engage in party politics, for fear of dividing the nation. The political leaders of the time did not listen, however, and formed political parties that reflected their views.

The Federalist Party

• One main political party was the Federalist Party.

• The leaders of the Federalist Party was Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and John Jay.

• The leaders of the Federalist Party favored protection of the wealthy.

The Democratic-Republican Party

• The other main political party was the Democratic-Republican Party.

• The leaders were Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Burr was also a Democratic-Republican.

• The leaders of the Democratic-Republican Party, favored protection of the common people.

Multiple Choice

What did Washington warn the political leaders not to do In his farewell address?

• he urged them not to engage in party politics

• he begged them not to vote for anyone else.

• he did not say anything special in his farewell address.

• he warned them not to forget about him.

Many voters were fed up with Federalist policies

John Adams, who was a Federalist, was elected the second President in 1796.  He was not a strong leader. At the time, there was a great divide between the Federalists and the Republicans (the new name for the Anti-Federalists)

John Adams signed these two acts in 1798

• Alien Act – The President gained the right to imprison or deport citizens to other countries

• Sedition Act – Those who wrote scandalous or false criticisms against the government (unless it could be proven) could be imprisoned. The Republicans felt that this act violated the Constitution.

Many voters were fed up with Federalist policies

Jefferson was vice-president to Adams, who was elected in 1796 and ran for re-election in 1800. In 1800 voters choose Democratic Republicans Jefferson and Burr.

Multiple Choice

Who did Jefferson run against in the Election of 1800 ?

• Aaron Burr and John Adams

• Hamilton and George Washington

The 1800 Election Results

Jefferson won the popular vote but did not get enough votes in the Electoral College to win the Presidency.

The vote went to the House of Representatives and after six days of voting and debates Jefferson was declared the winner and became the third President.

Poll

Why did the voters decide to vote for Jefferson, a Democratic Republican for president in 1800 after the last president was a Federalist in the 1796 election?

• They saw Hamilton on Broadway and liked the show.

• They were fed up with Federalist policies

• Jefferson did a great job electioneering.

• The leaders of the Democratic-Republican Party, favored protection of the common people.

The Enemy of my enemy is not that bad

It should also be noted here that Hamilton and Jefferson, as leaders of their respective political parties, were bitter enemies.

They disagreed savagely on the role of government in people's lives and the role of the United States in the larger world. They were enemies across the political divide. The rift between Hamilton and Burr, however, was a personal one. For whatever reason, the two men detested each other personally, a scorn that went far beyond the political disagreements that Hamilton and Jefferson had. And so when Hamilton saw that Burr had a chance of becoming President, he jumped into the fray.

The rift between Hamilton and Burr was a personal one.

• For whatever reason, the two men detested each other personally, a scorn that went far beyond the political disagreements that Hamilton and Jefferson had.

• When Hamilton saw that Burr had a chance of becoming President, he worked behind the scenes to ensure that Burr was not the new president. Choosing to argue for the election of one political rival over another, Hamilton

• The House of Representatives eventually, on the 36th ballot, chose Jefferson. Burr became vice-president.

Choosing to argue for the election of one political rival over another

When Hamilton saw that Burr had a chance of becoming President, he jumped into the fray.

Hamilton worked behind the scenes to ensure that Burr was not the new president.

Poll

Is it easier to side with someone you disagree with over someone you can't stand?

• No. It's still hard. if I don't agree with you, I can't side with you.

• Yes, we all have different opinions.

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton

• Duel fought between on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey,

• The immediate cause of the duel was disparaging remarks Hamilton had allegedly made about Burr at a dinner.

• Resulted in the death of Hamilton the following day.