Election of 1800 - Jefferson vs. Burr

Even though the Election of 1800 is heralded as an example of how the US government was able to peacefully transfer power between two opposing political parties when Federalist John Adams was defeated by Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson, the actual battle for the election was between Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Alexander Hamilton was a key player in the election, first supporting the defeated Charles Pinckney (Federalist) and then shifting to Jefferson after the election became a contest in the House of Representatives. Learn more about this fascinating election that resulted in the passage of the 12th amendment with this profile.