The online tool for teaching with documents, from the National Archives

Election of 1800

Interpreting Data

All documents and text associated with this activity are printed below, followed by a worksheet for student responses.

Introduction

By 1800, the nation’s first two political parties were beginning to take shape. The two major candidates for President were the Federalist President, John Adams, and the Democratic-Republican candidate, Thomas Jefferson.

Interpret the data in the Electoral College Tally for the Election of 1800.  Examine this document as a whole, then look at the "i" buttons to focus on particular sections. Read the questions there and use the "+ Add Text" button to put your answers on the document. Then click on "When You're Done."


Name:
Class:

Worksheet

Election of 1800

Interpreting Data

Examine the document or documents below. Use the numbers to refer to the questions or hints provided. Then label the documents(s) with additional numbers or symbols based if you were asked to do in the introduction and explain them in the margins. Write your conclusion response in the space provided.

1
2
3
4
5
6


Number: 1
Geographically, which states are supporting the Thomas Jefferson/Aaron Burr ticket?

Number: 2
Geographically, which states are supporting the John Adams/Charles Pinckney ticket?

Number: 3
Based on the original wording of Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution, why do you think John Jay received 1 electoral vote?

Number: 4
How are the states organized geographically?

Number: 5
Which state has the highest number of electoral votes? What role did the original wording of Article I, Section 2 play in this state's number of electors?

Number: 6
Who do you think won the Presidential election? Why? What role does the original wording of Article 2, Section 1 play in deciding the winner?



1

Activity Element

Tally of Electoral Votes for the 1800 Presidential Election

Page 1



Conclusion

Election of 1800

Interpreting Data

Answer the following in preparation for a class discussion:
  1. What role did the 3/5s compromise play in deciding the winners of the election of 1800?
  2. What constitutional issue did the election of 1800s results help reveal?  How was that issue fixed?
  3. The election of 1800 has been called by some the "Revolution of 1800?"  Do you feel that title is appropriate?  Why or why not?


Your Response




Document

Tally of Electoral Votes for the 1800 Presidential Election

2/11/1801

There was a 73–73 tie vote in the Electoral College in the 1800 Presidential election. It was resolved only after Alexander Hamilton encouraged the House of Representatives to elect his adversary Thomas Jefferson over his future mortal enemy Aaron Burr. In 1804, the 12th Amendment modified the electoral college, ensuring that a tie vote would not occur again.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Senate.
National Archives Identifier: 2668821
Full Citation: Tally of Electoral Votes for the 1800 Presidential Election; 2/11/1801; (Sen 6A-H2); Election Records, 1789 - 2000; Records of the U.S. Senate, ; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/tally-1800-election, April 23, 2024]


Tally of Electoral Votes for the 1800 Presidential Election

Page 1