The Election of 1788

Electoral System

The first presidential election in the United States revealed significant challenges in the electoral system. Gary Arndt explains that the Vice President was initially the candidate who received the second most votes in the Electoral College, a system that quickly showed its flaws. The Constitution required states to submit electors but did not specify how they should be chosen, leading to a mix of methods across states 1. For instance, some states like Connecticut and Georgia had their electors selected by state legislatures, while others like Virginia and Pennsylvania used popular votes. However, the popular vote was minimal, with less than 1% of the population participating.

The rule was that all electors had to be selected by January 7, 1789. As such, this was the first and only election that was conducted over two calendar years.

--- Gary Arndt

Additionally, not all states participated, as Rhode Island and North Carolina had not ratified the Constitution, and New York failed to submit electors due to internal political disagreements 1.

   

Adams' Candidacy

John Adams' candidacy for Vice President highlighted strategic electoral maneuvers. Gary Arndt notes that while George Washington's election as President was unanimous, Adams' election required careful planning to avoid a tie with Washington, which would have been embarrassing 2. Alexander Hamilton played a crucial role in ensuring Adams did not receive unanimous votes, allowing him to secure the Vice Presidency with 34 electoral votes, just shy of a majority 3.

If every elector voted for both Washington and Adams, there would have been a tie for president.

--- Gary Arndt

This strategic voting ensured that Washington's presidency began smoothly, setting a precedent for future elections. The first Congress, which convened in 1789, counted the electoral ballots, and Washington's inauguration marked a significant moment in American history, symbolizing unity and the potential of the new government 3.