President Thomas Jefferson
The third president, Thomas Jefferson was elected 73 to 65 against John Adams. There was a problem however when Aaron Burr also got 73 votes. At that time the electors cast two votes, and the runner-up was vice-president. Aaron Burr had the same number of votes as Jefferson. Then, the 12th Amendment was passed saying that there would be two separate ballots for president and vice president. According to the Constitution, the House of Representatives would have to break the tie. Since the federalists made up the majority in the House, they would have the power to vote. Alexander Hamilton, urged delegates to vote Jefferson. Many federalists, however, feared Jefferson and voted for Burr. THree of these federalists listened to Hamilton's advice and voted for Jefferson ,though. So in the end, Jefferson was elected President of the United States of America.The following chart lists his years of presidency, how he became president, his political party, economic decisions, foreign affairs, relation with France, the agreements or documents that he signed during presidency, and some facts about his personal life. |
Thomas Jefferson
Presidency Chart
Years of Presidency...................................................................................1801-1809, 8 years
How he became president............................The House voted for him in the tiebreaker against Adam Burr
Political Party......................................................................................Democratic-Republican
Economic Decisions .....................Signed Louisiana Purchase and doubled the size of America; eliminated many federalist programs
Foreign Affairs.............................................................Bought the Louisiana Purchase from France
Relations w/ France
Agreements signed....................................................................................Louisiana Purchase
Personal Life...............................Widower; 6 children; Very casual; regularly greeted his guests in slippers