POLITICAL

MACHINES AND
BOSSES
How do immigrants fit into the political machine?

-Politicians in the political machine were sympathetic to immigrants

-Many political bosses were first and second generation

Americans whose parents or grandparents were immigrants. Because
of this, they could relate to the immigrants, speak their language.

-As politicians and bosses they could help the immigrants find
places to live, become naturalized and get jobs. In return, the
immigrants voted for these bosses in elections.

Other things to consider??....

This is the 1880s
Election fraud- define it

What are kickbacks? Give me an example

Why arent the police doing anything?

Graft- what is that?

-Is there a difference between graft and
kickbacks?
Boss Tweed
&
Thomas Nast
POLITICS IN THE GILDED AGE

WHO ARE THESE GUYS?

 Political Reform
Patronage- the giving of government jobs to people who helped a candidate get
elected. It was these presidents that felt patronage needed to end.

Stalwarts- politicians and bosses that wanted to keep the spoils system in place.

Reform- a: to put or change into an improved form or condition

b: to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses**
(Merriam-Webster)

Civil Service- the administrative service of a government or international agency

exclusive of the armed forces; especially :one in which appointments are
determined by competitive examination
 Assignment/Homework
Answer the following questions based on the text book.
PUT IT INTO YOUR OWN WORDS!
Civil Service Replaces Patronage
Pages 291-293

1. How did the spoils system contribute to government incompetence and fraud?
2. Why did the Republicans choose Chester A. Arthur as their vice-presidential
candidate for the 1880 election?
3. What were the positive and negative effects of the Pendleton Act?
4. Define tariff. Why do you think tariff reform failed?