John Quincy Adams

Definition

John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States, serving from 1825 to 1829. He is notable for his role in a major realigning election in 1824, which resulted in a contentious outcome and set the stage for the emergence of new political alignments in American politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1824 election is often referred to as one of the first major realigning elections in U.S. history, marking a shift from the era dominated by the Democratic-Republican Party.
2. Adams lost the popular vote to Andrew Jackson in 1824 but was elected president by the House of Representatives after none of the candidates secured a majority in the Electoral College.
3. The term 'Corrupt Bargain' emerged from this election as Jackson's supporters accused Adams and Clay of conspiring to manipulate the electoral process.
4. Adams’ presidency was marked by significant internal conflict and political opposition, particularly from supporters of Jackson who later formed the Democratic Party.
5. After his presidency, Adams continued to influence politics as a member of the House of Representatives, advocating for anti-slavery measures and various reforms.

Review Questions

• How did John Quincy Adams' election in 1824 reflect changing political dynamics in the United States?
  • John Quincy Adams' election in 1824 reflected shifting political dynamics as it highlighted growing divisions within the Democratic-Republican Party. The controversial outcome, which resulted in Adams being elected despite losing both the popular and electoral votes to Andrew Jackson, underscored emerging factions within American politics. This election set the stage for future political realignments, ultimately contributing to the formation of new parties like the Democrats and Whigs.
• Discuss the implications of the 'Corrupt Bargain' accusation on John Quincy Adams' presidency and his political legacy.
  • The 'Corrupt Bargain' accusation had lasting implications for John Quincy Adams' presidency, undermining his credibility and fostering significant opposition from Andrew Jackson's supporters. This narrative painted his election as illegitimate and contributed to a polarized political atmosphere during his term. As a result, Adams struggled to enact his policies and maintain public support, impacting how he is remembered in American political history.
• Evaluate John Quincy Adams' post-presidency contributions to American politics and how they contrasted with his presidential experience.
  • After his presidency, John Quincy Adams made significant contributions as a member of the House of Representatives, advocating for issues such as abolition and civil liberties that were often contentious during his earlier presidential term. His commitment to anti-slavery measures and national development contrasted sharply with his challenging time in office, where partisan conflicts limited his effectiveness. This shift allowed him to work more freely outside of executive constraints, highlighting his enduring influence on American political discourse even after his presidency.

Related terms

Corrupt Bargain: A controversial agreement that allegedly took place during the 1824 election, where John Quincy Adams was accused of making a deal with Henry Clay to secure the presidency.

Democratic-Republican Party:

The political party that dominated U.S. politics during the early 19th century, of which Adams was initially a member before the party began to fracture.

The Era of Good Feelings: A period following the War of 1812 characterized by national unity and the decline of partisan conflict, preceding the divisions that emerged in the 1820s.