Political+Machines

A Political Machine a disciplined political organization in which an authoritative boss or small group commands people to vote for them by bribing them with things such as jobs and homes. Immigrants were the small groups they bribed with things they wanted. Immigrants supported political machines because they relied on them to get them jobs. Without them they would be homeless, and have nothing. The bosses gave the immigrants jobs (patronage) in exchange for them to vote for them. Eventually the bosses had too much power and the people didnt like it. Not only the people but legislation also were trying to break down the bosses. They slowly got less powerful. They got rid of colored ballots so that voting would be secret. **Political Bosses/Machines** __Robert La Follette__ *Robert fought against corruption, supported progressive reform, and roused oratorical skill *He instituted direct primary elections and campaign spending limits so he could weaken the political influences of political machines/corporations *To guide policy on railroad regulation, the environment, transportation, civil service, and taxation, he created state commissions *Founded La Follette's Weekly Magazine to feature and promote his ideas *He ran for president in 1924 on the Progressive Party ballot __Christopher Lyman Magee__ *Was elected treasurer of Pittsburgh in 1871 at the age of 23 *He wanted to control the politics of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County *According to Lincoln Steffens, Magee "spent his wealth for more power..." *He was elected twice into state senate *Agent of PA Railroad *Owned Duquesne Traction Company- which was the most valuable transportation line of Pittsburgh *Held directorships in several banks and insurance companies *Reduced city's debt from 15 million to 8 million dollars *Source: Pittsburgh: The Story of an American City by Stefan Lorant* __Arthur Samish__ of California was a lobbest. Through making campaign contributions to state legislations he was able to achieve power. He would hold up legislations on technicalities because he knew the procedures so well. He was the lobbyist for major interest groups such as liquor store owners and brewers which gave him control over large funds. they were called slush funds which he could spend when he wanted to. Samish had a political machine, which were organized through interest groups rather than a political party organization. *Source: http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/samish.htm* **What is Political Corruption?** Political Corruption is when the government misuses their power to receive political gain. **Political Corruption Today** In September 2008 the 110th Congress passed "__the bailout bill__." The recipients of the majority of those earmarked bailout sums were for banks, financial institutions, AIG insurance. AIG happened to be the top corporate donors to the campaigns of both presidential parties and members of Congress. The banks and AIG did not make those campaign contributions, after that bailout bill was passed through Congress. *Source: http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Bailout--Political-Co-by-Betsy-Ross-090116-267.html* __Illinois Governor Scandal:__ The Illinois Governor was accused of scheming to sell Obama's senate seat. He was charged with conspiracy and soliciting bribes. The state is doubting if the chosen senate seat replacement will still take the seat. The Governor, Rod Blagojevich, was even accused of taking donations from people and threatening to take money away from businesses, such as a children's hospital, who hadn't given him money. He is also accused of threatening the Chicago Tribute to fire five of their editorial board members who had criticized him in anyway. This scandal reminded people of the Nixon/Watergate scandal that occurred in the 1970's. *Source:  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/10/us/politics/10Illinois.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1* **Result of Political Corruption Today** Political Corruption causes a bad economy and controversy. It causes people to become enemies over political problems. For example, the Illinois Governor Scandal caused controversy within the senate which caused political corruption. Political corruption causes diversions within our country.
 * Political Machines:**