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Political Machines

Political Machines. What is a political machine?. An organized group that controlled the activities of a political party in a city and offered services to voters and business in exchange for political support. Political Machine Diagram. Boss.

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Political Machines

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  1. Political Machines

  2. What is a political machine? • An organized group that controlled the activities of a political party in a city and offered services to voters and business in exchange for political support.

  3. Political Machine Diagram Boss Oversees the party operations throughout the city. Ward Boss Tries to gain votes in entire election district. Provides services to help secure votes. Reports to city boss. Precinct Captains Worked to secure votes in a neighborhood or city block. Reports to ward boss.

  4. Goals • Control politics in order to get candidates elected • Use power for personal gain • Controlled city jobs • Leads to corruption

  5. Corruption • Graft—getting illegal kickbacks from contracts • Spoils system or patronage—Jobs were given to friends and people who helped get candidates elected.

  6. Political Reform • Reformers sought to change hiring in civil service (government) jobs. • The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883 was passed to creating a merit system for government employees. • Employment would be based on performance on a civil service test. • Government workers would be based on ability, not political connections.

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