February 17 in American History
The 1800 election ended in an electoral tie, throwing the choice to the House, which finally chose Thomas Jefferson over Aaron Burr on the 36th ballot. It was the first transfer of power between rival parties in American history — and it happened peacefully. The near-crisis led directly to the 12th Amendment fixing the process.
In 1801: the House elects Thomas Jefferson. The 1800 election ended in an electoral tie, throwing the choice to the House, which finally chose Thomas Jefferson over Aaron Burr on the 36th ballot.
The 1800 election ended in an electoral tie, throwing the choice to the House, which finally chose Thomas Jefferson over Aaron Burr on the 36th ballot. It was the first transfer of power between rival parties in American history — and it happened peacefully. The near-crisis led directly to the 12th Amendment fixing the process.
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