U.S. HISTORY CHAPTER 7 SECTION 3 and 4 SOCIETY AND POLITICS IN THE GILDED AGE

Tweed Ring Whoever controlled the city government also controlled the power and wealth that was generated by urban growth. So… political machines sought to gain control of many city governments. The most famous in the U.S. was the Tweed Ring, out of New York City.

Boss William Marcy Tweed Who the Tweed Ring was named after. He was a senator in New York and a leader of Tammany Hall, the local Democratic Party organization. “As long as I count the votes, what are you going to do about it?”

Ulysses S. Grant 1869 – 1877 Republican President during the worst of the “spoils system.” Spoils System = Process by which the party in charge rewards its friends. Credit Mobiler scandal William W. Belknap

Salary Grab Act 42nd Congress meeting from 1871-1873 This Congress increased their pay by 50%, retroactive 2 years earlier. Congress buried their “pay raise” in another bill.

Money formula The more money raised and spent, the more likely a candidate would win.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES 1877 – 1881 REPUBLICAN He announced new rules dealing with government appointments. Jobs were to be given to qualified people, not just friends of those in power.

James Garfield 1881 Republican He was the first candidate for President to break the million-dollar mark, brought about the “money formula” Assassinated while in office. From this act Congress passed the Civil Service Act of 1883.

Charles J. Guiteau 1841 - 1882 Assassinated President Garfield in 1881. Believed he was to be awarded a government job for writing a speech in support of Garfield.

Chester A. Arthur 1881 -1885 Republican Vice President under Garfield. Congress passed the Civil Service Act of 1883 (Pendleton Act), that set up a commission that made examinations for entry into government service. Important first step toward civil service reform.

Grover Cleveland 1885 – 1889 1893 – 1897 Democrat While President, he extended the list of jobs covered by civil service. He did cave to political party pressure and fired many office holding Republicans. These jobs were then filled by Democrats.

Benjamin Harrison 1889 – 1893 Republican Vetoed a logrolling bill that supported 500 projects and totaled almost $19 million. Logrolling = a practice in which members of congress backed each others favorite projects. Congress overrode his veto. He was in office during the Battle of Wounded Knee.

Why was corruption so common in cities? Cities rapid growth was the problem. Immigrants and farmers were pouring into the cities looking for jobs and housing. Businesses were looking for sites to produce and sell goods. All demanded expanded services. Such as transportation and sanitation.

What forms did the corruption take? Corrupt politicians and judges Corruption took place on the local and national level.

Briefly describe what happened in the Credit Mobilier Scandal. Happened in 1872, when Grant was President. Hired to build the Union Pacific Railroad. Overcharged the railroad. Lawmakers bought stock in the company, and then passed laws helping the company. No public official went to jail.

Why was the senate called the “The Millionaires Club”? By the 1880’s over half of the members of the U.S. Senate were millionaires.

What criticism was made of the Senate? Some thought the Senate only represented the views of special interests. Such as steel, lumber, and railroads. Some Senators made sure that bills hostile to business never came to a vote.

List three ways in which politicians raised money. They used their own money Received many small donations Went to business leaders for large donations

When did Congress first set-up rules for campaign contributions? 1907, was when Congress first began to set up rules for campaign contributions.