Election1801
Jefferson Elected by House of Representatives
After 36 ballots over six days, the House of Representatives chose Thomas Jefferson as the third President of the United States, breaking a tie with Aaron Burr in the Electoral College. Alexander Hamilton's behind-the-scenes lobbying against Burr proved decisive.
Why It Matters
This contested election demonstrated both the fragility and resilience of democratic institutions, as political rivals ultimately accepted the constitutional process for resolving electoral disputes.