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Today in History: House of Representatives elects John Quincy Adams president

2/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 9, 1825, the United States House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams as president after the 1824 election ended without a majority electoral vote. This contingent election, mandated by the Twelfth Amendment, followed a contentious race among Andrew Jackson, Adams, Henry Clay, and William Crawford, highlighting the complexities of the Electoral College system.

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Story summary

On February 9, 1825, the United States House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams as president after the 1824 election ended without a majority electoral vote. This contingent election, mandated by the Twelfth Amendment, followed a contentious race among Andrew Jackson, Adams, Henry Clay, and William Crawford, highlighting the complexities of the Electoral College system.