Aaron Burr

:Alternate meaning: Rev. Aaron Burr, Sr.

Vice Presidency

Because of his control of the crucial New York legislature, Burr was placed on the Democratic-Republican presidential ticket in the 1800 election with Jefferson. At the time, state legislatures chose the members of the U.S. Electoral College, and New York was crucial to Jefferson. Though Jefferson did win New York and the election, so did Burr; they tied with 73 electoral votes each.

Related Topics:
1800 election - State legislature - U.S. Electoral College

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It was well understood that the party intended that Jefferson should be President and Burr Vice President, but owing to a defect (later remedied) in the U.S. Constitution, the responsibility for the final choice was thrown upon the House of Representatives. The attempts of a powerful faction among the Federalists to secure the election of Burr failed, partly because of the opposition of Alexander Hamilton and partly, it would seem, because Burr himself did little to obtain votes in his own favor. Ultimately, the election devolved to the point where it took three days and thirty-six ballots before James A. Bayard, a Delaware Federalist, submitted a blank vote. Federalist abstentions in the Vermont and Maryland delegations led to Jefferson's election as President, and Burr?s moderate Federalist supporters conceded his defeat.

Related Topics:
U.S. Constitution - House of Representatives - Alexander Hamilton - Ballot - James A. Bayard - Delaware - Vermont - Maryland

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Upon confirmation of Jefferson?s election, Burr became Vice President of the United States. His fair and judicial manner as president of the Senate, recognized even by his bitterest enemies, fostered traditions in regard to that position. However, Burr's refusal to yield the victory to Jefferson, as he had promised, cost him the trust of his own party and that of Jefferson: for the rest of the administration, Burr remained an outsider.

Related Topics:
Vice President of the United States - President of the Senate

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