What was the “Corrupt Bargain”?

The term "Corrupt Bargain" refers to the controversial outcome of the United States presidential election of 1824 in which no candidate secured a majority of the electoral votes, sending the decision to the House of Representatives. The four candidates were John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson, and William H. Crawford.

Andrew Jackson initially received the highest number of electoral votes but not a majority, while Henry Clay was in fourth place and thus excluded from the final consideration by the House, as only the top three candidates could be considered. Clay, who was the Speaker of the House at that time, exerted significant influence in the House of Representatives.

In the end, the House elected John Quincy Adams as president. Shortly thereafter, Adams appointed Henry Clay as his Secretary of State. Many observers and Jackson supporters concluded that a "corrupt bargain" had been struck between Adams and Clay: in exchange for Clay's support in the House, Adams granted Clay the prestigious cabinet position.

This event marred Adams's presidency and was a significant factor in the bitter campaign of the 1828 election, which resulted in Andrew Jackson defeating Adams and becoming the next president.