Question

John Quincy Adams was chosen as president in 1824 after a House vote. How did Andrew Jackson refer to Adams's victory?

A
a "great compromise"

B
a "landslide victory"

C
a "shoe-in"

D
a "corrupt bargain"

Answer 1

Andrew Jackson referred to John Quincy Adams's victory in 1824 as a "corrupt bargain."

In the 1824 presidential election, no candidate received a majority of the electoral votes, so the decision went to the House of Representatives, which was controlled by Adams's supporters. Adams was ultimately elected president, and he then appointed Henry Clay, one of his primary supporters, as his Secretary of State. Jackson and his supporters believed that Clay's appointment was part of a backroom deal between Adams and Clay to secure the presidency for Adams, which they characterized as a "corrupt bargain."