Political Machines: Vocabulary

Definition- Political machines were organizations linked to a political party that often controlled local government.

Usage- In the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century, it was mainly the larger cities like Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York City and Philadelphia that had political machines.

Definition- Political bosses may dictate voting patterns, control appointments, and wield considerable influence in other political processes. They do not necessarily hold public office themselves. In fact, most historical bosses did not.

Usage- Political bosses were leaders who ran political machines.

Definition- Acquisition of money or political power through illegal or dishonest methods.

Usage- The powerful politicians of Tammany Hall often used graft in their business dealings.

Definition- A kickback is a payment of part of the earnings from a job.

Usage- An individual or company may use kickbacks to gain an unearned advantage, benefit, or opportunity, even if others are more qualified or offer more competitive prices.

Definition- Alexander Robey Shepherd, the governor and political boss of the then-Territory of DC from 1873 to 1874.

Usage- As boss of the political machine of DC, Alexander Shepherd pioneered the concept of controlling city government as an employment bureau for his supporters.

Definition- James Pendergast was a Kansas city Political boss.

Usage- James Pendergast was to earn nicknames of "Alderman Jim" and "Big Jim" as he achieved grassroots power by doing favors.

Definition- George Washington Plunkitt, a New York State Senator representing the Fifteenth Assembly District, was especially powerful in New York City. He was part of what is known as New York's Tammany Hall machine.

Usage- George Washington Plunkitt made most of his money through land purchases.

Definition- Boss Tweed, was an American politician and political boss of Tammany Hall who became an icon of urban political machines.

Usage- William Marcy Tweed's middle name is Magear, not Marcy, but is persistently given in many sources as "Marcy," due to the fact that a humorist linked him with another crooked politician named William Marcy.

Definition- Thomas Nast was a famous caricaturist and editorial cartoonist in the 19th century and is considered to be the father of American political cartooning.

Usage- Thomas Nast's cartoons and articles help to bring down "Boss Tweed" and his political machine government of Tammany Hall in New York City.