In this episode, John discusses the conditions leading up to the presidential election of 1800. He breaks down who the main candidates were, how both the Federalist and Democratic Republican parties campaigned in this very early era of party politics and what the strengths and weaknesses of both sides were as the election approached. John also explains the division within the Federalist Party between Alexander Hamilton and John Adams and how this internal rift made winning the election very difficult for the party in general and John Adams in particular.

John also examines how the structure of the Electoral College, as it operated at this time, created a serious crisis for the country. John runs through what the crisis was, how different actors in the political system approached it and how it was ultimately resolved, ending with Jefferson’s election to the presidency.