The Industrial Age The Gilded Age

Political Machines Rapid growth of cities finds governments unable to meet needs of citizens People are receptive to new power structure – “the political machine” POLITICAL MACHINE – an organized group that controls activities of a political party within a city Gain control of local governments after Civil War Provide services, but often very corrupt

Political Machines “Boss” is head of machine – may or may not be mayor Controls access to city jobs and contracts Uses influence to extend power, win voter loyalty Immigrants provide votes for help

Fraud and Scandal Members of political machines could use influence for personal gain – GRAFT. Bribery is rampant Most infamous – TWEED RING, part of Tammany Hall Political Machine in NYC. Run by William “Boss” Tweed

Tweed Ring 1869 – 71, Tweed led “ring” in defrauding city of an estimated $200 million Example: “Tweed Courthouse” construction project. Charged taxpayers $13 million, cost of construction, $3 million

Nast vs. Tweed Cartoonist Thomas Nast arouses public against Tweed Ring Tweed is eventually arrested for fraud and extortion

Patronage “Spoils System” created by Jackson, now known as Patronage Reformers call for change in system 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes begins reform 1880 Election, Republicans split over issue – James Garfield is elected July, 1881 – Garfield is shot by disgruntled office seeker Dies in September

The End of Patronage Chester A. Arthur becomes President Passes Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883 Creates civil service exam, merit based appointments by commission Employees no longer source of contributions – politicians turn to big business Link between government and business Grover Cleveland – Democrat, elected in 1884 1888 – Benjamin Harrison, Republican, raises tariff, Cleveland again in ’92.

Click on the image below to see how much money corporations gave to candidates during the 2012 Presidential Election.