Politics

Question

Name

Lesson 3, continued

and housing. In return, immigrants

pledged their votes.

1. Name two ways in which political

machines held power.

Class

MUNICIPAL GRAFT AND SCANDAL

How were political bosses corrupt?

Political machines provided cities with

vital services. But many bosses became

corrupt and became rich through graft,

or the illegal use of political influence

for personal gain. To win elections,

party members used fake names to cast

enough votes to win.

Another illegal practice was the

kickback. Workers on city construction

projects would charge a higher price for

their services and then "kick back" part

of the fee to the bosses, who were also

taking bribes from businesses in return

for allowing illegal or unsafe activities.

William M. Tweed, known as Boss

pi

g(

ра

ele

an

anc

sers

WOl

rega p.

atter

nam

set u

custo

Then

New

memb

object

reelect

The

Answer

Political machines held power through municipal graft and scandal, such as taking bribes from businesses and using fake names to cast votes.

Download to view full explanation

Political machines held power by providing cities with vital services such as infrastructure, education, and housing in return for immigrants' votes. However, many bosses became...