Final answer:
The 'corrupt bargain' refers to alleged political collusion during the presidential election of 1824. The House of Representatives had to decide the winner, as no candidate received a majority of electoral votes. Critics accused John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay of making a deal after Adams, who won the presidency, made Clay his Secretary of State.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "corrupt bargain" refers to the political machinations that occurred during the presidential election of 1824 when no candidate received an absolute majority of electoral votes, forcing the House of Representatives to decide the outcome. John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and William Crawford were the candidates, with Jackson initially having the lead. However, Clay, who held substantial influence in the House, threw his support to Adams who then won the presidency. After the election, Adams appointed Clay as his Secretary of State, causing critics to call it a "corrupt bargain" as they believed there was a quid pro quo between Adams and Clay.
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