What were political machines and what did they do?

What were political machines and what did they do?

Definition. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines "political machine" as, "in U.S. politics, a party organization, headed by a single boss or small autocratic group, that commands enough votes to maintain political and administrative control of a city, county, or state".

How did political machines hold power?

At the turn of the 20th century, many U.S. cities were run by collections of self-serving political machines. These organizations controlled access to political power by rigging votes, buying people's loyalty — and their ballots.

How did political machines contribute to corruption in the late 1800s?

Political machines provided city dwellers with vital services. But as they gained power, many bosses became corrupt. They became rich through THIS, or illegal use of political influence or political gain. THIS illegal practice included illegal payments to politicians.

How were political bosses corrupt?

Reformers typically allege that political bosses are corrupt. This corruption is usually tied to patronage; the exchange of jobs, lucrative contracts and other political favors for votes, campaign contributions and sometimes outright bribes.

What is a political machine quizlet?

Political Machine. an organization linked to a political party that often controlled local government. Political Boss. the leader of a political machine, often corrupt and stealing money from the city/local government.

How did political machines work quizlet?

How did political machines work? a group that controlled the activities of a party; they offered services to voters and business and wanted in exchange political and financial support.

How did political machines overcharge on city contracts?

Corrupt politicians allowed a construction company to overcharge the city for building a new courthouse. The excess money ($10 million) was then "kicked back" to the politicians. This is the practice of giving civil service (government) jobs to people who helped a candidate get elected.

How did political bosses corrupt city governments?

How did political bosses corrupt city governments? They sometimes took payoffs from businesses and stole public funds, and they often used their power to influence officeholders.

How were political bosses corrupt quizlet?

How did political bosses corrupt city governments? They gained power in many cities. Political bosses also ruled county and state governments. Bosses controlled work done locally and demanded payoffs from businesses.

What are political machines in US history?

political machine, in U.S. politics, a party organization, headed by a single boss or small autocratic group, that commands enough votes to maintain political and administrative control of a city, county, or state.

How did political machines stay in power quizlet?

The main strength of the political machines was held by the PRECINCT CAPTAINS because these were the people that lived in the neighborhoods and developed the loyalty that the political machines needed to stay in power.

What were political machines Apush?

political entities controlled by a boss that wielded enormous influence over the government of urban cities.

What was a political machine quizlet?

Definition- Political machines were organizations linked to a political party that often controlled local government. Usage- In the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century, it was mainly the larger cities like Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York City and Philadelphia that had political machines.