When George Washington decided to not run for a third term in office, he would unknowingly set the stage for the nations first two party election.
This election would be the test of whether a government by the people, of the people and for the people could survive such a transition of power peacefully.
Presidential Candidates:
- John Adams (Federalist)
- Thomas Jefferson (Anti-Federalist)
- Thomas Pickney (Supported by Alexander Hamilton)
- Aaron Burr
Main Issues:
- The Jay Treaty
- French Revolution
Adams had won the election by only 3 votes and Thomas Jefferson, who finished second, automatically became vice-president.
The election of 1796 had exposed an inherent flaw in the Electoral College System.
Facts:
- The majority of the campaigning took place in the newspapers, broad sides and other methods of the day. The supporters of these men actually campaigned for their favorites.
- The two main contenders of this election would battle it out again in the election of 1800.
Sources:
- John Adams Biography at the Thinkquest Web site
- The Chief Executive Club Web site
Contributed by:Rick Brainard
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