Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Delaware (1734–1817) who later served as president of the Continental Congress, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, and Governor of Pennsylvania. ALS signed “Tho's M:Kean,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, October 3, 1804. Letter to "The Honorable James Madison Esquire, Secretary of the department of State of the United States." In full: "I have received your circular Letter of the 24th September, informing me, that the amendment proposed, during the last session of Congress, to the constitution of the United States, respecting the manner of voting for President and Vice President of the United States, has been ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States; which affords me much pleasure. What further remains for me to perform will be executed with fidelity & promptitude." In fine condition, with areas of light toning; the letter is affixed to a larger sheet of heavy cardstock, and could easily be matted. The Twelfth Amendment, which governs the procedures of the Electoral College, came about after conflicts arose from the presidential elections of 1796 and 1800. Originally, electors were to ‘vote by Ballot for two Persons’: the leading vote-getter was named president, and the second-place finisher became vice president. In 1796, this resulted in the election of political enemies—the Federalist Adams and Democratic-Republican Jefferson—as president and vice president. In 1800, the top electoral vote was evenly split between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, and the House of Representatives was made to select the president from the leading five vote-getters. This gave the Federalist-controlled House the opportunity to deny the majority and re-elect the incumbent Adams; McKean, as governor of Pennsylvania, and Monroe, as governor of Virginia, both threatened to mobilize their state’s militias if Jefferson or Burr were denied the presidency. The Twelfth Amendment was introduced to prevent this from happening in the future by having electors cast distinct ballots for president and vice president; however, the process of voting for president, especially with regard to the electoral vote, remains a hotly debated topic to this day. A remarkable letter between founders on an important, relevant subject. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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