Corrupt Bargain

Definition

The term "Corrupt Bargain" refers to an alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay during the 1824 presidential election. After no candidate received a majority electoral vote, the decision went to the House of Representatives where Adams was elected President. Shortly after his victory, he appointed Clay as Secretary of State leading many to believe they had made a secret agreement.

Related terms

Election of 1824: The presidential election where no candidate won an outright majority in Electoral College votes leading to John Quincy Adams' controversial victory in the House of Representatives.

John Quincy Adams: The sixth President of the United States who won the presidency through what many called a "Corrupt Bargain."

Andrew Jackson: The seventh President of the United States who lost to John Quincy Adams in 1824 but used the controversy surrounding that election to win in 1828.