What is "The Corrupt Bargain" referring to in the context of U.S. political history?

"The Corrupt Bargain" refers specifically to the agreement that facilitated John Quincy Adams' election as President in 1824, despite him not winning the popular vote. In that election, none of the candidates received a majority of electoral votes, leading to a decision by the House of Representatives to choose the president. During this process, Henry Clay, who was the Speaker of the House and a rival candidate, threw his support behind Adams. In return, Adams appointed Clay as his Secretary of State after winning the presidency.

This arrangement led to widespread claims of corruption and the perception that a backroom deal had unfairly influenced the election outcome, undermining the public's trust in the electoral process. The term "Corrupt Bargain" thus encapsulates the controversy surrounding the election and its implications for American politics, highlighting themes of political maneuvering and the perception of fairness in democratic processes.