What does Amendment 12 focus on?

Amendment 12 specifically focuses on the process of electing a president and vice president in the United States. Ratified in 1804, this amendment was introduced to refine the electoral process established by the original framework in Article II of the Constitution. It addresses concerns that arose during the election of 1800, where the electoral system led to a tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, resulting in significant political turmoil.

The Amendment mandates that electors in the Electoral College cast separate ballots for president and vice president, ensuring that the two offices are filled distinctly and clarifying the election procedure. This change aimed to prevent the confusion and potential conflicts of interest that could arise from a candidate for vice president being in direct competition with the presidential candidates. Thus, Amendment 12 is ensure that the elected officials serving in these critical roles are chosen distinctly and without ambiguity, contributing to a more stable electoral process.