List of United States House of Representatives elections (1824–1854)

This is a list of United States House of Representatives elections held between 1824 and 1854. These elections determined the composition of the House of Representatives for the 19th through 33rd Congresses. The period encompasses a dynamic and formative era in American political history, witnessing the decline of the Era of Good Feelings, the rise and fall of the Second Party System, and the increasing sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.

Key trends and events influencing these elections include:

• The end of the Era of Good Feelings (1816-1824): The collapse of the Federalist Party left the Democratic-Republican Party as the dominant force. This era ended with a fractured presidential election in 1824, leading to the formation of new political alignments.

• The rise of Jacksonian Democracy: The election of Andrew Jackson in 1828 marked a shift towards greater popular participation in politics and the rise of the Democratic Party. This period saw increased political organization and campaigning.

• The Second Party System: The emergence of the Whig Party as a major opposition force to the Democratic Party created a more competitive two-party system. Issues such as the national bank, tariffs, and internal improvements defined the differences between the parties.

• Expansion and Sectionalism: The westward expansion of the United States intensified debates over slavery and its extension into new territories. Issues like the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act significantly impacted elections and contributed to growing sectional divisions between the North and South.

• The Know-Nothing Movement: The rise of nativism in the 1850s led to the emergence of the Know-Nothing Party (also known as the American Party), which gained significant influence in some states by opposing immigration and Catholic influence. This party briefly disrupted the established two-party system.

Each election year saw varying levels of voter turnout, campaign strategies, and regional variations. The outcome of these elections reflected the changing political landscape and the growing tensions that ultimately led to the Civil War. Detailed results for each election, including the number of seats won by each party and significant shifts in power, are essential for understanding the political dynamics of this period.