The first presidential election in United States history wasn't really an election at all,

at least not in the modern sense.

There were no political parties, no nationwide popular vote, no stump speeches, town halls,

or fiery debates.

The system of electing a president today with primaries, general elections, and a rubber

stamp by the Electoral College was radically different in 1789.

Article 2 Section 1 clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution provided for each state legislature to designate

by whatever method it chose, a number of electors equal to the size of its congressional delegation,

the number of House members plus two for each state senators.

The purpose of the National College was to whittle down the large pool of regional candidates

to a select few.

In accordance with the Constitution, presidential electors gathered in their respective states.

Each elector would vote for two men, including one candidate who was not from the elector's

home states.

The electors would send their certified list to Congress, where the votes would be counted.

If a clear majority existed, the top two candidates would be President and Vice President.

If not, the decision would be left to Congress to choose a president from the top five candidates.

Representatives were not required to vote in any certain way, and there were no guidelines

or rules related to running mates or political parties.

Each individual elector was free to vote using their independent judgment.

But in the first election of 1789, for most Americans, the matter was not subject to debate.

There was only one choice for President, General George Washington.

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