Short Answer 
The 2000 US Presidential Election was primarily contested between Al Gore and George W. Bush, with Bush winning the electoral college despite losing the popular vote by nearly 544,000 votes. The election’s pivotal controversies, particularly surrounding Florida’s narrow results, led to significant legal disputes over the electoral process.
Step 1: Understanding the Candidates and Background
The US Presidential Election in 2000 featured two main candidates: Al Gore, the Democratic nominee and then vice president, and George W. Bush, the Republican nominee and governor of Texas. This election followed the two terms of outgoing president Bill Clinton, who was leaving office due to the limits set by the 22nd Amendment. The political rivalry between the candidates set the stage for a highly contested election.
Step 2: The Electoral College System
The crucial aspect of the 2000 election was the electoral college, which ultimately decides the winner of the presidency in the United States. On November 7, 2000, George W. Bush secured 271 electoral votes, narrowly defeating Al Gore, who received 266 electoral votes with one abstention. Despite this, Gore won the popular vote by a margin of 543,895 votes, highlighting the complexities of the electoral system.
Step 3: The Florida Controversy
The election sparked significant controversy primarily over the results in Florida, a pivotal state that held 25 electoral votes. The dispute revolved around the recount process due to the incredibly narrow margin of victory. This situation led to legal battles regarding the election outcome, demonstrating the challenges and implications of the electoral college system in accurately reflecting the will of the electorate.