Jackson and his supporters questioned the legitimacy of the 1824 election because the winner of the popular vote did not win the election. Jackson received more popular votes than any other candidate but lost to Adams in the House of Representatives due to a lack of majority electoral votes. This situation, combined with allegations of a "corrupt bargain" between Adams and Clay, fueled their perception of an unfair election process.
In the 1824 election, Jackson won the popular vote, but he did not receive a majority of electoral votes. According to the Constitution, if no person wins a majority of the electoral votes, the House of Representatives must choose the president. The selection was made from the top three vote-getters. Clay came in fourth and was out of the running. In the House vote, Clay threw his support to Adams, who then won. Because Adams later named Clay as his secretary of state, Jackson's supporters claimed that Adams gained the presidency by making a deal with Clay. Charges of a "corrupt bargain" followed Adams throughout his term.
Based on the above passage, why did Jackson and his supporters question the legitimacy of the 1824 election?
The winner of the popular vote did not win the election.
They believed the election was not fair because women and black people could not vote.
The election ignored the will of wealthy landowners.
The nominating committees determined the results in secrecy.
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