Political Machines Vocabulary

Study Notes

Political Machines

Organizations linked to a political party, controlling local government.
Prominent in U.S. cities like Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York City, and Philadelphia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Political Bosses

Leaders of political machines who dictated voting patterns and controlled appointments.
Often did not hold public office; historically, many were not elected officials.

Graft

Illegal or dishonest methods of acquiring money or political power.
Frequently used by powerful politicians, notably Tammany Hall.

Kickbacks

Payment of part of earnings from a job, often unethical.
Used to gain unearned advantages in business or political opportunities.

Alexander Shepherd

Governor and political boss of the District of Columbia from 1873 to 1874.
Pioneered using city government as an employment bureau for political supporters.

James Pendergast

Political boss in Kansas City known for grassroots power through favors.
Earned nicknames "Alderman Jim" and "Big Jim" due to his influence.

George Washington Plunkitt

New York State Senator and influential figure in Tammany Hall.
Made significant wealth through land purchases and real estate dealings.

William Marcy Tweed

Known as Boss Tweed, a major political boss of Tammany Hall.
Iconic figure of urban political corruption, often misidentified due to name confusion with another politician.

Thomas Nast

Influential 19th-century caricaturist and editorial cartoonist credited as the father of American political cartooning.
Played a key role in exposing and contributing to the downfall of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall through impactful cartoons.

Description

This quiz focuses on key terms related to political machines and their roles in local government. Explore vocabulary like 'political machines' and 'political bosses' to deepen your understanding of political organizations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Perfect for students of American political history.