The Election of 1824 and the "Corrupt Bargain"
The Election of 1824 marked a milestone in the presidential race: all candidates running called themselves "Republicans," which meant that there were no other opposing parties, making this a single party race. The four running for the role of president included Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and William H. Crawford. It was an extremely close election (Jackson: 99 votes, John Quincy Adams: 84 votes, Crawford: 41 votes). Although Jackson had won in the popular vote, it was stated in the 12th amendment that in the case of an indecisive victory (no real "majority" winner), that the vote would be passed on to the House of Representatives to elect the future president of the United States.
Henry Clay, who was now disqualified because he was the speaker of the House, despised Jackson so he backed John Quincy Adams. Through the Ohio Valley-New England coalition, Clay secured the victory of John Quincy Adams, who was elected president. Adams, in return for this "favor," named Clay the secretary of state, a position that could be essential for anyone who wanted to get to the top (aka presidency).
The Jacksonians, who backed Andrew Jackson, quickly became furious when allegations of the alliance became public. They denounced the act as a "corrupt bargain," stating that they used government favors to reward their friends and economic elites. Since Jackson was looked at as a "common man's" president, his supporters were obviously outraged that two "politically elite" people used their knowledge to unfairly get to the top.
Henry Clay, who was now disqualified because he was the speaker of the House, despised Jackson so he backed John Quincy Adams. Through the Ohio Valley-New England coalition, Clay secured the victory of John Quincy Adams, who was elected president. Adams, in return for this "favor," named Clay the secretary of state, a position that could be essential for anyone who wanted to get to the top (aka presidency).
The Jacksonians, who backed Andrew Jackson, quickly became furious when allegations of the alliance became public. They denounced the act as a "corrupt bargain," stating that they used government favors to reward their friends and economic elites. Since Jackson was looked at as a "common man's" president, his supporters were obviously outraged that two "politically elite" people used their knowledge to unfairly get to the top.