Question

Why is the election of 1824 (the one Jackson lost) known as the "Corrupt Bargain"?

Answer 1

John Quincy Adams became president after gaining support from a political figure due to a corrupt deal.

Explanation:

This concept is known as the spoils system. John Quincy Adams made a deal with politician and presidential candidate Henry Clay. The deal gave Adams the support of Clay while Clay would receive a high ranking job in return.

This became known as the "corrupt bargain" and Andrew Jackson (a candidate who lost, but would later take office) discovered of the corruption in the process. He then became angry and vowed to end the corruption of elite and wealthy officials.