Template:On this day/February 17
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- 1801 – The U. S. House of Representatives broke an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, electing Jefferson president; Burr became vice president. At this time in American history, political tickets featuring running mates didn't exist. Whoever won the most votes in the Electoral College became the president, and whoever won the second most electoral votes, became the vice president. Burr had run a close and contentious election against Jefferson in the 1800 campaign. Jefferson expressed in his personal papers that he felt no love or loyalty to Burr despite their former political relationship.