Which election featured Henry Clay, William Crawford, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson, leading to a decision by the House of Representatives?

The election that featured Henry Clay, William Crawford, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson is indeed the election of 1824. This election is particularly notable because it was marked by a lack of a clear majority winner in the Electoral College. Andrew Jackson received the most electoral votes, but not the majority required to win outright. As a result, the decision fell to the House of Representatives, as stipulated by the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution, which outlines the process for electing the president when no candidate achieves an electoral majority.

In the House, while Jackson was popular, John Quincy Adams was ultimately selected as president, largely thanks to the political maneuvering of Henry Clay, who was also in the running and was then appointed Secretary of State by Adams, leading to accusations of a "corrupt bargain." This election was significant as it highlighted the growing divisions in American politics and set the stage for future conflicts, including the emergence of new political factions and changes in voter engagement.