Analysis of the Election of 1824: A Corrupt Bargain

In order to understand many of the actions Jackson took during his two terms of presidency, it's helpful for students to have a background of the Election of 1824 and what became known as the "corrupt bargain".

Students will use a traditional storyboard to describe the candidates, their positions, and their role in the election. The idea of the corrupt bargain will tie together each side, and how each candidate played a role in the “bargain”. Students should be able to summarize the political stance of each candidate: Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, and Henry Clay.

The top of the boards should define each candidate, his position, and his election results (popular vote and electoral votes). The bottom portions of the boards describe the role each played in what would become the “corrupt bargain”. Adams will win, Jackson will meet with defeat, and Clay will secure a position in Adams’s cabinet as part of their “deal”.

Extended Activity

Have students research a current political race (presidential, senatorial, etc.) and define the results of the election. Have students look into the policies, ideologies, and beliefs of each candidate, as well as research any “bargains” that may have taken place. This should serve as a connector to current events and current day politics.