What does the 12th Amendment require regarding the Electoral College?

The 12th Amendment to the Constitution requires the Electoral College to vote for the President and Vice President separately. This amendment was ratified in 1804 to address issues that arose in the early elections when the candidate with the most votes became President while the runner-up became Vice President, often leading to conflicts between the two officeholders, particularly when they were from opposing political parties.

By stipulating separate ballots for the two positions, the 12th Amendment ensures a clearer and more effective process for electing both the President and Vice President. This change aimed to enhance political stability and reduce the likelihood of discord between the two individuals elected to these critical leadership roles.

In contrast, the other options suggest voting for only one office or treating the election of both offices as a unified choice, which does not align with the stipulations outlined in the 12th Amendment. Thus, the correct understanding is that the amendment mandates separate voting for President and Vice President, thereby optimizing the electoral process.