Disputed Presidential Election Leads to Constitutional Amendment
After Thomas Jefferson and his vice presidential running mate Aaron Burr (1756–1836) received the same number of electoral votes in 1800, a constitutional and political crises erupted. Action to amend the Constitution came quickly. This broadside is Representative John Dawson’s (1762–1814) proposed amendment to the states on December 9, 1803, followed Dawson’s plan to have electors vote separately for president and vice president. This plan would leave the House to select a president if no one reached a majority. New Hampshire provided the necessary thirteenth state ratification on June 15, 1804.
After Thomas Jefferson and his vice presidential running mate Aaron Burr (1756–1836) received the same number of electoral votes in 1800, a constitutional and political crises erupted. Action to amend the Constitution came quickly. This broadside is Representative John Dawson’s (1762–1814) proposed amendment to the states on December 9, 1803, followed Dawson’s plan to have electors vote separately for president and vice president. This plan would leave the House to select a president if no one reached a majority. New Hampshire provided the necessary thirteenth state ratification on June 15, 1804.