Political Machines
Political Corruption Under President Grant A popular war hero but disappointing President- he gave high level jobs to untrustworthy friends. After his election in 1872, confidence in public officials plummeted. Across the nation, local scandals came to light. The most notorious of these scandals involved a group in New York City
New York’s Political Machine William "Boss" Tweed, leader of New York City's corrupt Tammany Hall political organization during the 1860s and early 1870s. The Tammany Hall political organization was a POLITICAL MACHINE.
Political Machines Political machine- an informal political group designed to keep power. They provided essential services for immigrants. Immigrants created significant voting strength that these politicians needed.
Problems Lead to Political Machines Problem: Cities grow so fast their government (municipal) can’t keep up with needs of people Solution: Political Machine steps in and provides services in exchange for votes and money Goal: Political Machines work to get their candidates elected. Although he is taking advantage of us (immigrants) its best to be polite and do as he says for now. We need the services that Political Machines provide… Issues: Transportation, water & sewage systems, sanitation, protection.
William “Boss” Tweed Between 1869-1871, Tweed led the Tweed Ring, a group of corrupt politicians, in defrauding the city. Tweed was indicted on 120 counts of fraud and extortion. Tweed was sentenced to 12 years in jail-released after one, arrested again, and escaped to Spain.
MUNICIPAL GRAFT AND SCANDAL Some political machines used fake names and voted multiple times to ensure victory. “Vote early and often” – called Election fraud Grafts (bribes) were common among political bosses. Construction contracts often resulted in “kick-backs.” Police forces were hired by the “Boss” prevented close scrutiny Crash course from 1:30 to 5:27 Tammany hall summary with kickbacks, voting fraud From 5:30 to 6:50 is grants scandals while in office
CIVIL SERVICE REPLACES PATRONAGE The Civil Service system (government jobs) had been based on Patronage; giving jobs and favors to those who helped a candidate get elected Reformers pushed for a merit system of hiring the most qualified for jobs. President Garfield was assassinated by Charles Guiteau in 1881, who believed he was due a civil service job. After this the -> Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883 authorized a bipartisan commission to make appointments for federal jobs based on performance. Applicants for federal jobs are required to take a Civil Service Exam