Under the old system each elector in the electoral college cast his ballot for president and vice-president without designation of his preference as to who should fill the first place.

New England was solid for Adams, who, however, had little strength beyond the limits of this Federal stronghold.

New York and the Southern States with inconsiderable exceptions were Republican.

Pennsylvania was so divided in the legislature that her entire vote would have been lost but for a compromise which gave to the Republicans one vote more than to the Federalists.

Adams being out of the question, the election to the first place lay between Jefferson and Burr, both Republicans.