Final answer:
The corrupt bargain was an alleged agreement between John Adams and Henry Clay to swing the election in Adams' favor in return for Clay's appointment as Secretary of State.
Step-by-step explanation:
The corrupt bargain refers to John Adams' perceived agreement with Henry Clay to swing the election in Adams' favor in Congress in return for Clay's appointment to Secretary of State. In the election of 1824, no candidate received a majority of electoral votes, so the decision fell to the House of Representatives. Despite having fewer popular votes, Adams secured the presidency through support from Clay and was then appointed as Secretary of State. This event is often cited as an example of political corruption and backroom dealings.
Learn more about Corrupt Bargain