USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In the House of Representatives, Henry Clay threw his support to John Quincy Adams, making Adams president. When Adams subsequently appointed Clay to the position of Secretary of State, Jackson accused Adams, of making a “corrupt bargain” to gain the votes of Clay’s supporters in the House.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1828, Andrew Jackson campaigned against what he called the corrupt bargain between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay. In the 1824 presidential election, Jackson won the popular vote but lost the electoral vote. Adams took office instead when fourth place finisher, Henry Clay, threw his electoral votes to Adams.

Detailed explanation-3: -To the surprise of many, the House elected John Quincy Adams over rival Andrew Jackson. It was widely believed that Clay, the Speaker of the House, convinced Congress to elect Adams, who then made Clay his Secretary of State.

Detailed explanation-4: -Why did Jacksonians consider the political deal between Adams and Clay “corrupt"? They considered it corrupt because as soon as Adams was put into presidency, he automatically promoted Clay to secretary of state which was traditionally known as the stepping stone to presidency.

Detailed explanation-5: -Upon becoming President, Adams appointed Clay as Secretary of State. Jackson and his angry followers charged that a “corrupt bargain” had taken place and immediately began their campaign to wrest the Presidency from Adams in 1828.