The "corrupt bargain" that Andrew Jackson accused Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams of stemmed from the circumstances of the 1824 presidential election. Here's why Jackson felt this way:
1. After no candidate received a majority of electoral votes, the election was decided by the House of Representatives.
2. Despite Jackson winning the popular vote and having more electoral votes than any other candidate, he didn't win the presidency.
3. Speaker of the House Henry Clay, who was also a candidate, used his influence to support John Quincy Adams in the House vote.
4. Adams won the presidency, and shortly after, he appointed Clay as Secretary of State. This appointment was seen by Jackson and his supporters as a result of a deal between Clay and Adams, hence the accusation of a "corrupt bargain."
In essence, Jackson believed that Clay's support for Adams in the House election, followed by Adams appointing Clay as Secretary of State, was an unethical agreement that deprived Jackson of the presidency.
