The US presidential election of 1796 was the first contested presidential election in the history of the United States. John Adams, the candidate of the Federalist Party, won the presidency, defeating his rival, Thomas Jefferson, candidate of the Democratic-Republican Party. Since Jefferson won the second most votes, he became Vice President, as was the protocol at the time.
More about: US Presidential Election of 1796Definition
Timeline
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4 Nov 1796 - 7 Dec 1796The Election of 1796 is held in the United States; John Adams is elected president, with Thomas Jefferson as his vice president.