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.

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