12th Amendment

The 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804, changed how the U.S. Electoral College elects the President and Vice President. Instead of voting separately, electors now cast one ballot for President and one for Vice President. If no candidate wins a majority, the House of Representatives chooses the President from the top three candidates, and the Senate selects the Vice President from the top two. This amendment was created to prevent conflicts and ensure clearer, more organized election outcomes, especially after the 1800 election revealed issues with the original process.