1. During the Gilded Age from 1870-1900, American politics was characterized by a stalemate between the two major political parties, the Republicans and Democrats, with each party appealing to different voting blocs. 2. The federal government took a very laissez-faire approach, limiting its role mainly to delivering mail, maintaining the military, collecting taxes, and conducting foreign policy. 3. Political corruption was rampant, with party bosses wielding influence and presidents doling out federal jobs to political supporters. However, civil service reforms in 1883 aimed to create a more impartial government bureaucracy.

1. Gilded Age Politics By: Ms. Susan M. Pojer Horace Greeley HS Chappaqua, NY

2. The "Politics of Equilibrium"

3. 1. A Two-Party Stalemate

4. Two-Party “Balance”

5. 2. Intense Voter Loyalty to the Two Major Political Parties

9. 1880 Presidential Election: Republicans Half Breeds Stalwarts Sen. James G. Blaine Sen. Roscoe Conkling (Maine) (New York) James A. Garfield Chester A. Arthur (VP) compromise

10. 1880 Presidential Election: Democrats

11. Inspecting the Democratic Curiosity Shop

12. 1880 Presidential Election

13. 1881: Garfield Assassinated! Charles Guiteau: I Am a Stalwart, and Arthur is President now!

14. Chester A. Arthur: The Fox in the Chicken Coop?

18. 1884 Presidential Election Grover Cleveland James Blaine * (DEM) (REP)

19. A Dirty Campaign Ma, Ma…where’s my pa? He’s going to the White House, ha… ha… ha…!

20. Little Lost Mugwump Blaine in 1884

22. 1884 Presidential Election

24. Bravo, Señor Clevelando!

26. Filing the Rough Edges Tariff of 1888

27. 1888 Presidential Election Grover Cleveland Benjamin Harrison (DEM) * (REP)

28. Coming Out for Harrison

29. The Smallest Specimen Yet

30. 1888 Presidential Election

31. Disposing the Surplus

33. 1892 Presidential Election Grover Cleveland Benjamin Harrison again! * (DEM) (REP)

34. 1892 Presidential Election