What is the main focus of Constitutional Amendment 12?

The main focus of Constitutional Amendment 12 is indeed the provision for separate ballots for the election of President and Vice President. Ratified in 1804, this amendment was introduced to address issues with the electoral process that emerged during the elections of 1796 and 1800, when candidates from different political parties were elected to the two highest offices, leading to significant governance challenges.

Before the adoption of this amendment, electors cast two votes for President, and the candidate receiving the most votes would become President, while the runner-up would become Vice President. This method often resulted in a President and Vice President from opposing political parties, complicating their ability to work together effectively. The 12th Amendment changed this process, requiring electors to cast distinct votes for each office, ensuring that the President and Vice President would belong to the same political party and could collaborate more effectively in government. This adjustment was crucial for the stability and functionality of the executive branch in the United States.

Amendments addressing prohibition, popular election of Senators, or the abolition of slavery focus on different aspects of American history and governance, but they do not pertain to the election process for the executive offices as outlined in Amendment 12.