Transcript Effects of the Political Machine

Political Machines
What is a political machine?
• An organized group that
controlled the activities of a
political party in a city and
offered services to voters and
business in exchange for political
support.
Political Machine Diagram
Boss
Oversees the
party operations
throughout the
city.
Ward Boss
Tries to gain votes in entire election
district. Provides services to help
secure votes. Reports to city boss.
Precinct Captains
Worked to secure votes in a neighborhood or city
block. Reports to ward boss.
Goals
• Control politics in order to get candidates
elected
• Use power for personal gain
• Controlled city jobs
• Leads to corruption
Corruption
i. Graft—getting illegal kickbacks from
contracts
ii. Spoils system or patronage—Jobs were given
to friends and people who helped get
candidates elected.
Political Reform
i. Reformers sought to change hiring in civil
service (government) jobs.
ii. The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883 was
passed to creating a merit system for
government employees.
1. Employment would be based on performance on
a civil service test.
2. Government workers would be based on ability,
not political connections.