Corrupt Bargain

The "Corrupt Bargain" refers to a supposed deal in the 1824 U.S. presidential election. No candidate won a majority of electoral votes, so the House of Representatives chose among the top candidates. Henry Clay, a powerful politician and speaker of the House, allegedly influenced the decision in favor of John Quincy Adams. After Adams was elected, he appointed Clay as his Secretary of State. Many believed this was a secret agreement to secure the presidency, which fueled public suspicion and accusations of political corruption, suggesting that the election was decided not solely by voters but through backroom deals.