What does the 12th Amendment address?

The 12th Amendment addresses the process of electing the President and Vice President of the United States, specifically by separating the electoral votes for these two offices. Prior to the 12th Amendment, electors in the Electoral College cast two votes for President, with the second-highest vote-getter becoming Vice President. This system led to complications, particularly in elections where candidates from opposing political parties received the highest votes.

The adoption of the 12th Amendment in 1804 established distinct ballots for electing the President and Vice President, thus allowing voters to support candidates from the same political party and reducing the potential for conflicts that arose from the previous voting system. This change has ensured a clearer, more streamlined electoral process and reflects the evolution of American democracy over time.

The other options relate to different aspects of governance and rights in the United States. Term limits for the President are governed by the 22nd Amendment, the direct election of senators is addressed by the 17th Amendment, and the rights of accused persons are covered under the Bill of Rights, particularly the 5th and 6th Amendments.