Description
Aaron Burr served in the Continental Army before becoming a successful lawyer. In 1791, he was elected as a U.S. senator from New York. He ran for president in 1800. At the time, whoever received the most electoral votes became president; the person with the second most votes became vice president. The election was a tie. Hamilton helped swing the vote to Jefferson, reducing Aaron Burr to the position of vice president. The 12th Amendment was passed in 1804, changing how vice presidents are chosen. In 1805, Burr’s last year in office, he killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel, ending Burr’s political career. Burr was tried and acquitted in 1807, on charges of treason for his activates in the West. It was a major test of the Constitution and the separation of powers.
The United States Senate and House of Representatives comprise the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Each state has two senators regardless of the state’s population. U.S. senators serve staggered terms of six years. Prior to 1913, senators were appointed by their state legislatures. This changed with the 17th Amendment, which mandated senators be elected by popular vote. The Senate has the power to ratify treaties and to confirm cabinet secretaries, federal judges, Supreme Court justices, and other federal executive officials.
Aaron Burr was a member of the U.S. Senate prior to his election as vice president. Many of the men who become president and vice president first served in Congress as members of the House of Representatives or in the U.S. Senate. A number of these individuals first served in their state government as governor, state senator or in their state House of Representatives.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
