Election of 1824: When the House Chose

The 1824 U.S. presidential election marked a pivotal moment in American democracy, with multiple candidates from the same party vying for the presidency. The election highlighted the limitations of the Electoral College, as Andrew Jackson won the popular vote but not the presidency. The House of Representatives decided the outcome, leading to John Quincy Adams' victory after a controversial deal with Henry Clay. This event led to the formation of two new political parties, the National Republican Party and the Democratic Party, ushering in the second-party system. This system encouraged parties to engage more with diverse voter groups, ultimately influencing social policies.

What significant change occurred in the United States' democracy as a result of the 1824 election?

What were the main social issues that the candidates in the 1824 election had differing views on?

What role did the House of Representatives play in the 1824 presidential election?

How did the outcome of the 1824 election lead to the formation of new political parties?

In what ways did the second-party system change the political landscape in the United States?