Question

The Election of 1800 was significant because it A) played a major role in America's acquisition of the Louisiana Territory in 1803. B) was the first peaceful transition of political power between opposing parties in U.S. history. C) gave the Federalists control of the executive and legislative branches of the United States government. D) marked the beginning of the era known as "Jacksonian Democracy" and the push to settle the western territories.

Answer 1

Answer: B) was the first peaceful transition of political power between opposing parties in U.S. history.

Explanation: The Election of 1800 was significant because it was the first peaceful transition of political power between opposing parties in U.S. history. In the election, Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson succeeded Federalist John Adams. This peaceful transfer occurred despite defects in the Constitution that caused a breakdown of the electoral system. The election was eventually decided in Jefferson's favor by the House of Representatives in 1801. And remember: even thought the Election of 1796 was between the same two political parties, it was not a transfer of power from one to another. Adams- the winner and Federalist- assumed power from outgoing President George Washington, who had no party affiliation. This may seem like a small point, but it is an important distinction to remember.

Answer 2

The answer is B, because it marked the first time that power in America passed from one party to another. Thomas Jefferson called his election "the Revolution of 1800"