1. The Industrial Age
The Gilded Age

2. Political Machines
Rapid growth of cities finds governments unable to meet needs of citizens
People are receptive to new power structure – “the political machine”
POLITICAL MACHINE – an organized group that controls activities of a political party within a city
Gain control of local governments after Civil War
Provide services, but often very corrupt

3. Political Machines “Boss” is head of machine – may or may not be mayor
Controls access to city jobs and contracts
Uses influence to extend power, win voter loyalty
Immigrants provide votes for help

4. Fraud and Scandal
Members of political machines could use influence for personal gain – GRAFT.
Bribery is rampant
Most infamous – TWEED RING, part of Tammany Hall Political Machine in NYC.
Run by William “Boss” Tweed

5. Tweed Ring
1869 – 71, Tweed led “ring” in defrauding city of an estimated $200 million
Example: “Tweed Courthouse” construction project. Charged taxpayers $13 million, cost of construction, $3 million

6. Nast vs. Tweed
Cartoonist Thomas Nast arouses public against Tweed Ring
Tweed is eventually arrested for fraud and extortion

7. Patronage “Spoils System” created by Jackson, now known as Patronage
Reformers call for change in system
1876, Rutherford B. Hayes begins reform
1880 Election, Republicans split over issue – James Garfield is elected
July, 1881 – Garfield is shot by disgruntled office seeker
Dies in September

8. The End of Patronage Chester A. Arthur becomes President
Passes Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883
Creates civil service exam, merit based appointments by commission
Employees no longer source of contributions – politicians turn to big business
Link between government and business
Grover Cleveland – Democrat, elected in 1884
1888 – Benjamin Harrison, Republican, raises tariff, Cleveland again in ’92.

9. Click on the image below to see how much money corporations gave to candidates during the 2012 Presidential Election.