This chapter explores the historical complexities of the vice president's role in the electoral vote counting during the contentious presidential elections of 1796 and 1800. It examines the ambiguities in the Constitution regarding the responsibilities of the presiding officer and highlights the significant actions of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson amid the electoral challenges. The narrative underscores the implications of procedural irregularities and the political dynamics that shaped the integrity of these pivotal elections.
In this last regular episode of our mini-series about the road to selecting a president, we are joined by David Fontana of GW Law to talk about the Vice President. What role does the Constitution give the Vice President in counting electoral votes? And can this be manipulated?