Gilded Age Politics

The Gilded Age takes its name from a book by which authors?

• Mark Twain & Charles Dudley Warner

• Bram Stoker & Joseph Conrad

• Emily Dickinson & H. P. Lovecraft

• Alfred Thayer Mahan

Answer explanation

The Gilded Age is a novel written by Mark Twain & Charles Dudley Warner. The term 'Gilded Age' was derived from this novel and has been used to describe the era of rapid economic and population growth in the United States during the post-Civil War and post-Reconstruction eras of the late 19th century. The other authors listed did not contribute to this work.

This organization works to win local elections through corruption, intimidation and providing social welfare to buy votes.

• Political Machine

• Political Caucus

• Political Think Tanks

• Political Enterprise

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Political Machine'. This term refers to an organization that controls local elections via corruption, intimidation, and the provision of social welfare to gain votes. The tactics mentioned in the question clearly describe the activities of a Political Machine.

The most famous political machine based in New York during the Gilded Age was?

• Tammany Hall

• The Democratic Party

• Good Old Boys

• Cracker Party

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Tammany Hall. Tammany Hall was a political machine based in New York during the Gilded Age. It had significant influence over the political landscape of New York City and State, and is known for its corruption and control over Democratic Party nominations.

Who was the well-known boss of Tammany Hall?

• William M. "Boss" Tweed

• Boss James McManes

• Richard J. Dailey

• James Michael Curley

Answer explanation

The correct answer is William M. "Boss" Tweed. He was a well-known boss of Tammany Hall, a political machine in New York City. None of the other options, Boss James McManes, Richard J. Dailey and James Michael Curley, held this position. Thus, the answer is distinctive and clearly correct.

What was a positive of political machines?

• They often provided for those most in need within the community.

• They often provided awards (kickbacks) to those who were loyal.

• They keep communities segregated for the well being of races.

• They keep immigrants informed pending immigration raids.

Answer explanation

Political machines were organizations in U.S. cities that exercised significant control over the political appointment process by offering services to voters and businesses in exchange for political support. One positive aspect mentioned in the question was that they often provided for those most in need within the community. This was done to garner support and maintain control over the city's politics.

What did the political machine want in return for helping the poorest individuals?

• Votes

• Money

• Resources

• Muscle

Answer explanation

Political machines were organized groups in U.S. politics that sought to control political power by winning elections. They often provided services to the poorest individuals, such as food, jobs, and housing, in return for their votes. Thus, the political machine wanted votes from these individuals, which is why 'Votes' is the correct answer.

This scandal dubbed "The King of Frauds" which involved overcharging the government for railroad construction and bribing government officials.

• Crédit Mobilier Scandal

• Teapot Dome Scandal

• Whiskey Ring Scandal

• “Ma, ma, where’s my pa?”

Answer explanation

The question refers to a scandal involving overbilling for railroad construction and bribing government officials. The correct answer is "Crédit Mobilier Scandal". This scandal involved the Crédit Mobilier of America, a construction company that was discovered to have greatly overcharged the Union Pacific Railroad, which in turn had overcharged the U.S. government. Government officials were bribed to ignore these fraudulent activities.

Whose presidency was tainted by numerous scandals? Including the Whiskey Ring, Start Route Postal Ring, The Salary Grab, The Sanborn Contract, The Trading Post Ring, and The Safe Burglary Conspiracy.

• U.S. Grant

• Grover Cleveland

• Chester A. Author

• William McKinley

Answer explanation

The presidency of U.S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was tainted by numerous scandals such as the Whiskey Ring, Star Route Postal Ring, The Salary Grab, The Sanborn Contract, The Trading Post Ring, and The Safe Burglary Conspiracy. None of the other options has such a record.

Which two presidents were assassinated during the time of the Gilded Age?

• William McKinley

• James A. Garfield

• Chester Author

• Benjamin Harrison

Answer explanation

The two presidents assassinated during the Gilded Age were William McKinley and James A. Garfield. William McKinley was assassinated in 1901, during his second term, while James A. Garfield was assassinated in 1881, just months into his presidency. Neither Chester Author nor Benjamin Harrison, the other options, were assassinated during their presidencies.

What act passed by congress following the assassination of President James Garfield create a merit system for 10% of government employees?

• The Civil Service Act

• The Sherman Antitrust Act

• The Homestead Act

• The Union Pacific Act

Answer explanation

The Civil Service Act, also known as the Pendleton Act, was passed by Congress following the assassination of President James Garfield. This act was instrumental in creating a merit system for 10% of government employees, effectively ending the patronage or 'spoils' system. This marked a significant shift in how government employees were chosen and set a precedent for future governmental hiring practices.