Final answer:
The passing of the Alien and Sedition Acts and the formation of two major political parties were two important events that shaped the election of 1800.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two important events that shaped the election of 1800 were the passing of the Alien and Sedition Acts and the formation of two major political parties. The Alien and Sedition Acts were controversial laws passed by the Federalist Party that limited the rights of immigrants and curtailed freedom of speech. This led to opposition from the Democratic-Republicans, who saw it as a violation of individual liberties.
The formation of two major political parties, the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party, also had a significant impact on the election of 1800. These opposing parties represented different political ideologies, particularly in regards to the role of government. The close election of 1800 demonstrated the growing divide between these two parties and marked a peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans.