1. Getting the Vote Game…
Each of you has three (3) votes in your possession
The goal of this game is to get the most votes from your fellow students
The person with the most votes wins extra credit
You must try to persuade your fellow students to give you their votes
Think about how you might accomplish this goal
How will you convince them to give up their votes?

2. Government corruption is always fun…
Political Machines
Government corruption is always fun…

3. So, what is a political machine?
Way of organizing politics
Group that offers services to voters/business in exchange for support
quid pro quo (something for something)
Based on patronage or the spoils system
Behind the scenes control

4. Where is this happening and how?
Major cities
New York, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia
How does it work?
Machines led by a “boss”
Does favors for constituents
They vote as they are told
Used threats./violence if necessary

6. Methods of Corruption
Graft: Using your power/influence in an illegal manner
“Stuffing the ballot box”: Rigging an election
Kickbacks: Illegal payments for services
Generally preyed on immigrants
Why? Needed jobs, homes etc.
Immigrants gave up their votes for help

7. Tammany Hall, New York William M. Tweed (Boss Tweed) Most infamous
Members of Tammany Hall received the government contract to build the NYC Courthouse
Taxpayers paid 13 million…
The courthouse only cost about 3 million dollars to construct
Tweed pocketed rest of money
Civil Service Commission: appoints people who will hold federal jobs.
Merit System: tests to qualify people for jobs