Final answer:
Congress established an electoral commission to resolve the contested 1876 presidential election votes, avoiding potential conflict due to widespread rumors of civil unrest.
This event is an example of historical mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes and underscores the significant efforts to maintain a peaceful and democratic transition of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actions taken by Congress to address concerns surrounding the presidential election results demonstrate a crucial historical approach to resolving potential political crises.
To counteract the severe tension and the threat of another civil war, they established an electoral commission with a balanced composition intended to arbitrate the contested votes from Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina.
This committee consisted of 15 members: five from the Senate, five from the House, and five from the Supreme Court, with seven Democrats, seven Republicans, and one expected independent member, who was anticipated to be Supreme Court Justice David Davis.
However, with Davis's appointment as a U.S. senator, Republican Joseph Bradley stepped in as the final Supreme Court member on the commission.
This in-depth solution was in line with Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which provides states the power to appoint electors in a manner the state legislature directs.
Additionally, Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution elaborates on the electoral process and the role of Congress in these matters, reflecting the profound importance of a fair and balanced resolution to such a fundamental aspect of American democracy.