CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

The Founding Fathers hoped the U.S. Constitution would create a framework for “a more perfect union” for the United States. But they knew they couldn’t think of everything their young country might face, so they also included ways to change or modify their framework. Between 1791 and today, there have been 27 amendments added to the Constitution. Five of those amendments address presidential elections.

12th Amendment (1804)

In the nation’s first four presidential elections, electors cast two votes. The winner of the majority of votes became president. The second-highest vote getter became vice president. The 1796 and 1800 elections revealed the weakness in this system. In 1796, John