Politics in the Gilded Age

The Emergence of Political Machines The Political Machine An organized group that controlled the activities of a political party in a city Offered services to voters and businesses in exchange for political or financial support

Hierarchy At top – Political Boss midlevel – Ward Boss Bottom – local captains

The Role of the Political Boss Access to municipal jobs, licenses and courts Money and Votes motivated these men Immigrants attain citizenship in return for votes

Municipal Graft and Scandal Election Fraud & Graft Illegal use of political influence for personal gain Age of the “kick back” illegal payments for services Fraud included, fake names

The Tweed Ring Scandal William M. “Boss” Tweed, NYC Democratic political machine Was indicted for fraud and extortion

Pendleton Civil Service Act established a bipartisan civil service commission to make appointments to government jobs by the means of the merit system

Civil Service Replaces Patronage giving government jobs to people who helped a candidate get elected Civil service government administration most qualified person should get the job

Best Congress that money can The Best Congress that money can buy.

Election of 1896