The presidential election of 1800 was close and bitter. Thomas Jefferson, a leader of the Democratic-Republicans, and his followers accused President Adams of making the federal government too powerful. They said he put the people’s liberties in danger. Jefferson won the most popular votes. But a tie in the electoral college showed a problem. Jefferson tied with Aaron Burr in the Electoral College. Hamilton persuaded enough Federalists to cast blank votes to give Jefferson a majority of two votes. Burr then became vice-president. Although Hamilton opposed Jefferson’s philosophy of government, he regarded Jefferson as much more qualified for the presidency than Burr was. Alexander Hamilton helped break the deadlock and Jefferson was elected president. The 12th Amendment was passed to change the way presidents would be chosen.

Why is Hamilton's support of Thomas Jefferson surprising?