The Corrupt Bargain of 1824
The Corrupt Bargain was a political maneuver that took place in the United States in 1824. It was a result of the presidential election that year, in which no single candidate won a majority of the electoral votes. After no candidate received a majority of the vote, the decision was moved to the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives was then split between four candidates, Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, William H. Crawford, and Henry Clay.
In order to win the election, Clay and Adams made a deal in which Clay would throw his support behind Adams in exchange for the position of Secretary of State. This deal was seen as corrupt by many, as Clay had been a rival of Adams during the campaign and his support was seen as a way for Adams to gain an unfair advantage. The deal was so controversial that it became known as the “Corrupt Bargain.”
A Result of the Lack of Electoral Majority
The primary cause of the Corrupt Bargain was the lack of a majority of electoral votes for any of the four candidates in the presidential election of 1824. This allowed Clay to use his influence to gain a position in Adams’ cabinet in exchange for his support. This influence was seen as a way for Adams to gain an unfair advantage and win the election.
The Far-Reaching Impact of the Corrupt Bargain
The effects of the Corrupt Bargain were far-reaching. Adams won the election, but his victory was seen as illegitimate by many. This led to growing resentment among the American people towards the government, which eventually led to the rise of Andrew Jackson and Jacksonian Democracy.
The Corrupt Bargain also had a long-term effect on the American political system. It highlighted the need for electoral reform, which eventually led to the adoption of the 12th Amendment. This amendment changed the way presidential elections were conducted, ensuring that no single candidate could gain a majority of the electoral votes.
Summary
The Corrupt Bargain was a pivotal moment in American history, as it highlighted the need for reform and led to the rise of Jacksonian Democracy. It is a reminder that the American political system must remain fair and just, or else the people will become frustrated and unhappy with their government.