1. Topic 10.3 “Corruption Plagues the Nation” 2.5, 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
U.S. History I
Topic 10.3
“Corruption Plagues the Nation”
2.5, 9.1, 9.3, 9.4

2. Balance of Power Creates Stalemate
U.S. Grant- Surrounded by Scandals
: Presidents win by narrow margins and presidents are weak or corrupt.
Benjamin Harrison: Second President to lose Popular vote but win Electoral College
Chester Arthur: Took over after James Garfield was assassinated: Disliked by OWN Republican Party
*Grover Cleveland: Known for his Integrity: 1884 Won: 1888 Lost to Harrison (Electoral College) 1892: Won again (Only one counted TWICE)

3. Corruption Plagues National Politics
Joseph Keppler: Political Cartoonist: “The Bosses of the Senate” Next Slide
Patronage: government jobs go to the supporters of the winning party in an election. “Spoils System”
The Pendleton Act: Allowed the president to decide which federal jobs would be filled according to the rules of the Civil Service Commission: All had to take exam to qualify for job.
Under Pres. Arthur, 14,000 jobs were placed under this program

4. Economic Policy Challenges Continue
Tariff: Tax on Imports
Republicans: Wanted High Tariffs
Democrats: Wanted Low Tariffs
Silver or Gold
Fiat Money Greenbacks retired after Civil War
Goldbugs: Wanted all coins made of gold
Silverites: Wanted all coins made of silver

5. Political Cartoons Alert the Public
Political Machines- Corrupt party power structures that dominated cities
Thomas Nast: Artist who went on a campaign to expose corrupt “Political Machines”
William “Boss” Tweed: Was exposed by Nast through the use of political cartoons