The Emergence of Political Machines The Political Machine 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 At top – Political Boss midlevel – Ward Boss midlevel – Ward Boss Bottom – local captains Bottom – local captains

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

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

The Tweed Ring Scandal William M. “Boss” Tweed, NYC Democratic political machine William M. “Boss” Tweed, NYC Democratic political machine Was indited for fraud and extortion Was indited 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 established a bipartisan civil service commission to make appointments to government jobs by the means of the merit system

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

Election of 1900