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

2. 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)
James A. Garfield (R) 1881
Chester A. Arthur (R)
Grover Cleveland (D)
Benjamin Harrison (R)
Grover Cleveland (D)
William McKinley (R) 2 2

3. (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

4. (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)

5. 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

6. Gilded Age Political Machines Names: William Marcy Tweed
The Tammany Tiger Killing Lady Liberty
With Emperor Tweed Looking On

7. What is the main point of this cartoon?
Tweed Ring: Who Stole The People’s Money?

8. (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

9. 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?

10. CONCLUDING ACTIVITY
Answer discussion questions on a separate sheet of paper