Whom did Thomas Jefferson defeat in the 1800 presidential election?James MonroeJohn AdamsGeorge MasonJames Madison

In the 1800 presidential election, Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams. This election is notable for being one of the most contentious in American history, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between rival political parties. Jefferson, representing the Democratic-Republican party, campaigned against the incumbent President Adams, who was a member of the Federalist party. The election results were closely contested, with Jefferson ultimately emerging victorious after a tie with Aaron Burr in the Electoral College. The decision was then settled by the House of Representatives, where Jefferson was elected as the third President of the United States. This election highlighted the deep political divisions of the time and set the stage for the development of the two-party system in American politics.