Political machines corruptly ran several major cities throughout the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest where millions of immigrants had settled. Up through the 1880s, elections in the United States did not typically feature the secret ballot. However, a closer look at the activities of political machines reveals that they played a crucial role in infrastructural modernization and political reforms in US cities. 0000238236 00000 n - Definition, Summary, Pros & Cons, Thomas Nast: Cartoons, Biography & Quotes, Staggered Elections: Definition & Examples, Political Parties in the United States Government: Help and Review, Interest Groups and American Democracy: Help and Review, The Media and American Democracy: Help and Review, The Federal Bureaucracy in the United States: Help and Review, The Presidency: Election, Powers, and Practice: Help and Review, The Congress: Election, Powers, and Representation: Help and Review, The Federal Judicial System: Help and Review, Public, Social, and Environmental Policy: Help and Review, Economic and Fiscal Policy: Help and Review, Foreign and Defense Policy: Help and Review, Praxis Middle School Social Studies: The Cold War, Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Writing (5723): Study Guide & Practice, FTCE General Knowledge Test (GK) (082) Prep, Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) Prep, Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Prep, Praxis Business Education: Content Knowledge (5101) Prep, Criminal Justice 101: Intro to Criminal Justice, ILTS Social Science - Sociology and Anthropology (249) Prep, Praxis Environmental Education (0831) Prep, UExcel Workplace Communications with Computers: Study Guide & Test Prep, ILTS TAP - Test of Academic Proficiency (400): Practice & Study Guide, Columbine by Dave Cullen Discussion Questions, What Is a Veteran? If they could not do that they would be sent back to their country. "Political Machines in the US Urban Politics." During the Gilded Age, this power was mostly in the hands of the Democratic Party. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. They also influenced how individuals voted, how businesses acted, and which politicians were advanced in city, state, and national elections. Tuckel & Maisel (92) notes that other cities that had political machines such as Boston, Chicago and Cleveland had the same experience. The machines helped immigrants find homes and jobs. "Political Machines in the US Urban Politics." As new immigrants arrived, they were recruited into the machine and rewarded with gifts. In what way did the structure of the political machine resemble a pyramid? Theres no doubt that Tammany Hall played a major role in the history of New York City. 0000024393 00000 n Lasted until 1943. provide a minimum return of 0%. The two main reasons why people continued to support political machines was because the machines A) provided them with material benefits in return for support and B) because the machines could punish many of them for failing to support the machines. 0000261380 00000 n 0000078160 00000 n This paper was written and submitted to our database by a student to assist your with your own studies. However, organization of city governments may differ from one state to another (Hannarong & Akoto 41-42).