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