What was the significance of the “Corrupt Bargain” in the presidential election of 1824?

The "Corrupt Bargain" refers specifically to the controversial deal that occurred during the election of 1824, where no candidate received a majority of the Electoral College votes. This led to the election being decided in the House of Representatives. Henry Clay, who was the Speaker of the House at that time and a candidate himself, threw his support behind John Quincy Adams. In return, Adams appointed Clay as his Secretary of State after winning the presidency.

This event became known as the "Corrupt Bargain" because it was perceived that there was a backroom deal that compromised the electoral process and the democratic ideals of the time. It raised questions about the legitimacy of Adams' presidency and fueled political animosity, particularly among supporters of Andrew Jackson, who had won the popular vote but lost in the House. The repercussions of this deal significantly impacted American politics, leading to increased partisan divisions and the formation of new political alignments, particularly the emergence of the Democratic Party under Jackson.