February 9 in American History

February 9, 1825 — the House decides a presidential election

With no candidate winning an electoral majority, the 1824 election went to the House of Representatives, which chose John Quincy Adams over the popular-vote leader Andrew Jackson. Jackson's furious supporters called it a "corrupt bargain," and the backlash fueled his landslide win four years later. The Constitution's backup plan, in action.

Common Questions

What happened on February 9 in American history?

In 1825: the House decides a presidential election. With no candidate winning an electoral majority, the 1824 election went to the House of Representatives, which chose John Quincy Adams over the popular-vote leader Andrew Jackson.

Why is February 9 significant?

With no candidate winning an electoral majority, the 1824 election went to the House of Representatives, which chose John Quincy Adams over the popular-vote leader Andrew Jackson. Jackson's furious supporters called it a "corrupt bargain," and the backlash fueled his landslide win four years later. The Constitution's backup plan, in action.

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