Political machines organized groups that offered services like jobs, assistance to immigrants, and community improvements in exchange for political support. The machines were led by city bosses who controlled judges, jobs, and politics through networks of local precinct workers and ward bosses. Tammany Hall was the powerful Democratic political machine in New York City led by Boss Tweed in the late 1800s. Though they provided services, political machines were often corrupt, using patronage to reward supporters with government jobs and graft to illegally profit from their influence.

1. Unit 6- Immigration and Urbanization

2.  I. Political Machine- organized group that
offered services to voters and businesses in
exchange for political or financial support
 Controlled political activities in a city

3. The Political Machine
Local precinct workers and captains
Ward
bosses
City Boss
Tried to get votes in each block or neighborhood
Responsible for an electoral district
(multiple neighborhoods)
Controlled politics/functions of
city

4.  A. The Boss:
 1. Controlled who got jobs
 2. Influenced judges
 3. Helped immigrants
 4. Built parks and school for voter loyalty

5. The Boss/Political Machine
City-dwellers/Immigrants
Jobs &
Services
Votes

6.  II. Boss Tweed- Head of NYC’s Democratic political
machine
 Tammany Hall

7.  III. Corruption and the Machine
 A. Patronage- the giving of government jobs to
people who helped a candidate get elected
 B. Graft- the illegal use of political influence for
personal gain