Today’s LEQ: How were political reforms brought about during Progressivism?

Political Machines - History As cities and their problems grew rapidly during the Gilded Age, the political environment changed. No longer did politicians run small manageable cities. These were big cities with big city problems. As the government grew it became the livelihood for many professional politicians. Some would argue that these politicians were corrupt, they would argue that they provided a needed service.

Political Machines – History  Your notes begin here!  Political machines could be found in every major American city.  The most famous and corrupt was Tammany Hall in NYC.  It was run by the most notorious political boss of all, Boss Tweed.

Who was involved? Politician Political Boss District Leader Ward Boss District Leader Ward Boss

Who was involved?  Politician – mayor/city council at local level or senator at state level.  Political Boss ran the politics in a city or state.  District Leaders oversaw a district or region.  Ward Bosses oversaw several neighborhoods; had the most contact with citizens.

How did it work?  Targeted Immigrants Older immigrants and native-born Americans did not participate; mainly newer immigrants, especially the Irish.  Ward Bosses helped immigrants meet their needs: Jobs, Housing, Citizenship, Voting Rights Have a problem?

How did it work?  Biggest task for Ward Bosses  keep people happy until election time!  Ballots were not secret; so people saw who you were voting for. You better vote the right way or else!

Who did it benefit?  Immigrants At this time, the government did not have social service programs such as welfare, food stamps, etc. If not for political machines, immigrants would not have anyone to turn to.

Who did it benefit?  When work needed to be done in a city or state, the political boss would tell the politician who to hire for the job.  Graft Dramatic overcharges for work. Company makes a lot of money. ○ Ex from Tammany Hall: $14,000 one-day concrete job = 6 figures today!  Kickbacks For using that company, the political boss and the politician received a percentage.

What’s wrong with this?  Citizens/tax payers end up paying too much.  Corrupt politicians stay in control.  Violence, fear, and intimidation.

Modern Day Example of Political Corruption  When Barack Obama was elected president, his seat in the Senate became available.  In this situation, the governor of the state can appoint someone to the position for the remainder of the term.  Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was caught by the FBI trying to sell the seat in Senate to the highest bidder.  Sentenced to 14 years in prison.

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What reformers wanted...  Governments to become more efficient & less corrupt.  Political honesty & accountability.  Reformers wanted to end... -Patronage/Spoils System -Only politicians can introduce bills -Only legislatures can pass laws -Only courts can remove corrupt officials -Political Machines -Bribery

What is patronage/spoils system?  Giving of jobs or other political favors to supporters – even if not qualified.

Progressive Political Reforms Introduced BEFORE  Party leaders chose candidates for state & local offices. AFTER  Direct Primaries – voters select their party’s candidates.

Progressive Political Reforms Introduced BEFORE  State legislature chose US Senators. AFTER  17 th Amendment – US Senators are elected by popular vote.

Progressive Political Reforms Introduced BEFORE  Only members of state legislature could introduce bills. AFTER  Initiative – voters can put bills before the legislation.

Progressive Political Reforms Introduced BEFORE  Only legislatures pass laws. AFTER  Referendum – voters can vote on bills directly.

Progressive Political Reforms Introduced BEFORE  Only courts or legislature can remove corrupt officials. AFTER  Recall – voters can remove elected officials from office.

Think, Ink, Share  How did the reforms that were introduced put an end to political machines?