What branch of government is the Electoral College in?
The President enforces the laws that the Legislative Branch (Congress) makes. The President is elected by United States citizens, 18 years of age and older, who vote in the presidential elections in their states. These votes are tallied by states and form the Electoral College system.
Why did Founding Fathers set up electoral college?
The Founding Fathers established the Electoral College in the Constitution, in part, as a compromise between the election of the President by a vote in Congress and election of the President by a popular vote of qualified citizens.
What is the 12th Amendment for dummies?
The Twelfth Amendment stipulates that each elector must cast distinct votes for president and vice president, instead of two votes for president. The Twelfth Amendment requires a person to receive a majority of the electoral votes for vice president for that person to be elected vice president by the Electoral College.
How did the 12th Amendment remedy the problems experienced in the 1800 election?
The tie vote between Jefferson and Burr in the 1801 Electoral College pointed out problems with the electoral system. In 1804, the passage of the 12th Amendment corrected these problems by providing for separate Electoral College votes for President and Vice President.
Why did Alexander Hamilton refuse to support Adams?
The primary reason is that Hamilton did not believe he could manipulate Adams to the extent he could influence Thomas Pinckney, the other Federalist candidate. Adams had opposed war with France, which Hamilton had heartily supported, so this may also have been a factor. Adams was too independent for Hamilton’s taste.
How did Thomas Jefferson get elected?
On February 17, on the 36th ballot, Jefferson was elected. Federalist James A. Bayard of Delaware and his allies in Maryland and Vermont all cast blank ballots. This resulted in the Maryland and Vermont votes changing from no selection to Jefferson, giving him the votes of 10 states and the presidency.