Political Machines and the Spoils System

What is a political machine?

• An organization within a political party that controls administrative and political control over a city, county, or state

• A system of government jobs and contracts given to political supporters

• A group of corrupt politicians and businessmen who exploit the government for personal gain

• A commission that oversees the appointment of civil service positions

What was the main method used by political machines to maintain control and loyalty?

• Offering jobs and services to certain groups and people within the community

• Accepting bribes and payments from business owners and landlords

• Making large campaign contributions to political machines

• Arranging government contracts for businessmen

What was one common practice of political machines and corrupt politicians?

• Accepting bribes or payments to overlook poor working conditions or housing code violations

• Charging enormous amounts for government jobs and receiving kickbacks

• Collecting illegal funds through illegal payments and corruption

• All of the above

Who was the leader of the infamous political machine known as Tammany Hall?

• William Tweed

• Boss Tweed

• Thomas Nast

• Ulysses S Grant

What was the main goal of Progressive leaders in relation to political machines?

• To expose their corruption and illegal practices

• To support and strengthen their power

• To become members of the political machines

• To receive government contracts and jobs

What was the spoil system or patronage system?

• A system of government jobs and contracts given to political supporters

• An organization within a political party that controls administrative and political control over a city, county, or state

• A commission that oversees the appointment of civil service positions

• A group of corrupt politicians and businessmen who exploit the government for personal gain

Who attempted to make changes to the spoil system during his presidency?

• Rutherford B Hayes

• James Garfield

• Chester A Arthur

• All of the above

What was the name of the act passed in 1883 to change the spoil system?

• The Pendleton Act

• The Progressive Act

• The Corruption Act

• The Political Machine Act

What did candidates for federal jobs have to do under the Pendleton Act?

• Take a test to demonstrate their qualifications and skills

• Make large campaign contributions to political machines

• Accept bribes and payments from business owners and landlords

• Arrange government contracts for businessmen

What was a major concern of Progressive leaders in relation to the government?

• Corruption and deceitful practices

• Lack of transparency and honesty

• Unqualified individuals in government positions

• All of the above