Aim #52: Politics in the Gilded Age Do now! Read the article about former Governor Rod Blagojevich and answer questions and have out hw

Presidents of the Gilded Age The phrase “Gilded Age” means to be covered with gold; Depicted an American society that on the surface appeared prosperous and full of opportunities but underneath was corrupt and scandalous. Rutherford B. Hayes (R) 1877-1881 James A. Garfield (R) 1881 Chester A. Arthur (R) 1881-1885 Grover Cleveland (D) 1885-1889 Benjamin Harrison (R) 1889-1893 Grover Cleveland (D) 1893-1897 William McKinley (R) 1897-1901 2 2

(I) Politics of Stalemate elections from 1876 to 1892 very close because no real difference in ideology of parties Voter turnout high (“vote and vote often”) c. No real different in ideology of parties Both believed in limited govt and laissez-faire Result: no significant legislation passed for close to 20 years d. Marked by divided government

(I) Emergence of Political Machines definition: tightly organized groups of politicians that controlled political parties in urban areas b. Headed by a boss c. Provided services to immigrants, businesses and the poor in exchange for their vote d. Led to corruption: machines stole millions of $ in graft and fraud from taxpayers e. Most famous boss: Boss Tweed head of NYC’s most powerful Democratic political machine (Would eventually be jailed for taking nearly $40 million in graft, kickbacks, and public tax dollars)

Gilded Age Political Machines Problems: Election Fraud Created distrust among honest citizens about government. Different techniques. One person means more than one vote. Registration of dead and nonexistent people. Voting in more than one district. Stuffing of the ballot box. Under The Thumb Of Tweed http://www.kennethackerman.com/images/BossTweedPicture2.jpg

Gilded Age Political Machines Names: William Marcy Tweed The Tammany Tiger Killing Lady Liberty With Emperor Tweed Looking On http://www.kennethackerman.com/images/BossTweedPicture8.jpg

What is the main point of this cartoon? Tweed Ring: Who Stole The People’s Money? http://brokenspines.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/nast.jpg

(II) Civil Service Reform a. President Garfield was assassinated by a supporter who did not get the patronage job he felt he deserved GARFIELD CHARLES GUITEAU

b. Pendleton Act (1883) 1. Effort to replace patronage with merit examinations for jobseekers 2. Parties increasingly would turn to big business for funding (similar to corporations today who dole out large sums to campaigns) According to the cartoon, who has the power in the Senate? What role do the people play? How can you tell?

CONCLUDING ACTIVITY Answer discussion questions on a separate sheet of paper