The main issues contributing to Thomas Jefferson's victory in the presidential election of 1800 were:
- The Democratic-Republicans' appeal for decentralization and opposition to the Federalists' strong central government policies.
- Public opposition to the Federalist Alien and Sedition Acts, which were seen as oppressive and aimed at immigrants and critics of the government.
- Democratic-Republicans effectively organizing at state and local levels, while Federalists were weakened by internal divisions, especially between John Adams and Alexander Hamilton.
- The Federalists' support for close relations with Great Britain contrasted with the Democratic-Republicans' favoring France, resonating differently with voters amid the fallout from the French Revolution and the Quasi-War.
- The Federalists' perceived unfair tactics and the bitter, divisive campaign contributed to voter dissatisfaction.
- The critical role of Alexander Hamilton's opposition to Aaron Burr in the House of Representatives, where the final decision was made after a tie between Jefferson and Burr, helped secure Jefferson's presidency.
These issues combined to create what is sometimes called the "Revolution of 1800," marking a political realignment and peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans.