Final answer:
In the "corrupt bargain" of 1824, Henry Clay played a role by endorsing John Quincy Adams for the presidency. He gained the position of Secretary of State in Adams' administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the presidential election of 1824, Henry Clay played a role in what became known as the "corrupt bargain." After no candidate received a majority of electoral votes, the decision was then left to the House of Representatives to choose the president. Clay, as speaker of the House, threw his support behind John Quincy Adams, who ultimately won the presidency. Clay's endorsement of Adams was seen by Andrew Jackson and his supporters as a backroom deal to secure the presidency, hence the term "corrupt bargain."
By getting involved in the "corrupt bargain," Clay gained the position of Secretary of State in Adams' administration. The secretary of state was often seen as a stepping stone to the presidency, so Clay's appointment was a strategic move to position himself for a future presidential bid. However, the controversy surrounding the "corrupt bargain" and the perception that Clay had made a deal with Adams severely damaged their reputations and made governing difficult for Adams.