The 12th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1804, fundamentally altered the process of electing the President and Vice President. Prior to its enactment, electors cast two votes for individuals without specifying their intended office, leading to scenarios where the runner-up became Vice President. This flaw became evident in the contentious election of 1800 between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.
The amendment addressed this issue by mandating separate ballots for President and Vice President, providing clarity and avoiding potential conflicts. It established procedures for the Electoral College, refining the democratic framework and helping to prevent situations where political rivals might find themselves in the same administration. The 12th Amendment stands as a crucial modification, enhancing the precision and fairness of the electoral system in the young American republic.