Question

In 1796 Samuel Miles became the first elector to switch his vote, voting for Thomas Jefferson instead of this man.

a) George Washington
b) John Adams
c) Alexander Hamilton
d) John Jay

Answer 1

Samuel Miles, the first elector to switch his vote in 1796, voted for Thomas Jefferson instead of John Adams, which led to the scenario where the president and vice president were from rival parties.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1796, during the nation's first partisan presidential election, Samuel Miles became the first elector to break ranks and did not vote for his party's designated candidate.

He switched his vote and voted for Thomas Jefferson instead of John Adams. Importantly, this election saw John Adams, a Federalist, become the president, with his political rival, Thomas Jefferson, a Republican, becoming the vice president. This election outcome highlighted the unique dynamics of the early U.S. political system and foreshadowed the development of the Twelfth Amendment which eventually changed the Electoral College system to avoid a president and vice-president from opposing parties.