What change did the 12th Amendment bring about in presidential elections?

The 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804, significantly reformed the process by which the President and Vice President are elected. Prior to this amendment, the electoral system outlined in Article II of the Constitution led to situations where candidates for President and Vice President could be from opposing parties or factions, causing political conflicts and complications in governance.

The key change brought by the 12th Amendment was the establishment of separate electoral votes for President and Vice President. This means that voters cast distinct ballots for each office, ensuring that the candidates intended to work together on a ticket could be elected as a cohesive unit. This adjustment helped to prevent the confusion that arose when the candidate receiving the second-most votes automatically became Vice President, which was often a candidate from a rival political stance.

By implementing this change, the 12th Amendment clarified the electoral process and helped to streamline the functioning of the executive branch, fostering a better working relationship between the President and Vice President.