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The political machine apuch
The effect of a political machine
Early 19th century politics usa
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The Political machine provides a service to the American Political system by directly engaging with the general public on trying to satisfy the communities’ needs and issues, helping to reduce discrimination against a majority of under privileged in the government sector, and lastly provides continuous efficiency in order to maintain such a large following. While many immigrants and under-privileged citizens were stricken with poverty, there where very few outlets that heard their grievances. The political machines such as New York's infamous "Tammany Hall" served as a gate way for their problems being solved. The political machines would hear out these issues within the community and provide solutions whether it be handing out money and or incentives by way of jobs. The citizens especially during the mid 19th century had formed some distrust of the government and certain political parties that only looked out for their own interests. However, the political machines formed a direct relationship with the people in order …show more content…
The nature of the political machine can be described as a "well oiled machine." They are constantly in the community making it known that they are the ones to trust. Within chapter five, Plunkitt states "When the people elected Tammany, they knew just what they were doin', we didn't put up any false pretenses." This goes to show that there were political parties that claimed to make a difference and never carried out their promises. The support was given, but the people were neglected. By constantly doing for the community it showed the people that Tammany was here to stay. Even after receiving the votes of their supporters, they are still helping in the community. The sense of patronage and trust is not taken for granted. It is constantly being used back and forth, which enables Tammany Hall to receive straight ticket
Double edge sword is what lies at the heart of Roach’s issue with the American political system. While the public’s trust for their elected officials continues to disintegrate because of backroom deals and a poor transparency, it is exactly what the American political system requires its participants to do in order to be effective deal makers and according Roach, “Campaign contributions and smoke-filled rooms, pork is a tool of democratic governance, not violation of it. It can be used for corrupt purposes but also, for vital ones.” Roach argues that the public must take the good with the bad, they do not have to like it or agree with it, but they must see the importance that each side plays. Roach believes that it has been within the past 40 years that publics growing mistrust for the American political system has pushed toward favoring disintermediation, populism, and self-expression over professionals and political insiders.
One of the most important problems that arose from this growth, however, was the absence of a legitimate urban government. Political, or urban, machines filled this void, and through patronage and graft secured votes from as many people as possible for their respective parties4. Immigrants were usually the easiest targets because they frequently did not speak much English, but more importantly, they were looking for security in the city, which could be achieved simply by giving a party your vote on Election Day7.... ... middle of paper ... ...
As stated in the first paragraph, these politics control both the institutions and the workplaces of modern America, and therefore intersect in the development of policy and laws. For example, The Norm controls financial institutions, government, religion, schools, human services, healthcare, criminal justice, corporations, factories, and large businesses thereby creating a vicious circle of power, privilege, exploitation, and domination.
He had opposition from reformers who accused Tammany Hall of illegal activities involving graft. But, according to Plunkitt, he never engaged in "blackmailin', gamblin' or disorderly people." He said that "the politician that steals is worse than a thief." He is a fool, he is a fool." Plunkitt made a fortune in politics, and he did it all through honest graft.
enough votes to maintain control over the community. Political machines were able to restructure the city governments; they also resulted in poorer services, corruption and aggravation of the immigrants and minorities. ("Encyclopedia of American History") He was able to infiltrate Tammany Hall and bribe or smooth-talk any government official that stood in his way. Famously, Tweed is known for the construction of the New York Courthouse. It wasn't until the New York Times wrote an exposé on Boss Tweed that his grafting became publicly known and finally consequences caught up with his actions.
However, politics is not just limited to what most people would consider politics. These same forces that are present in institutions such as Congress are also present in places like the home, school, churches, hospitals, and private businesses. At the core of politics are relationships. When a political candidate is able to connect with voters on a certain level, the bond that is established can mean all the difference between being victorious or being crushed by an opponent.
However, seldom is this the case with American politics. There are far fewer politicians then there are low class workers or unemployed, and yet these politicians decide upon most all of the important decisions the country is faced with. The only time the rest of the people are involved is when these politicians spew out money and promises in an attempt to gain the p...
The most commonly known, and consequently most watered down, version of the progressive movement argues that this era was simply an effort by the middle class to cure many of the social and political ills of American society that had developed during the rapid industrial growth in the last quarter of the 19th century. This explanation has proven to be a woefully inadequate in the face of the complexities that characterize these times. In Richard Hofstadter’s The Age of Reform, Peter Filene’s “An Obituary for the Progressive Movement,” Richard McCormick’s “The Discovery that Business Corrupts Politics,” and Paula Baker’s “The Domestication of Politics” each author asserts their own unique interpretations of the progressive movement. These distinct examinations each chart and thus manifest the fluidity of knowledge about this particular time period and how it has been shaped reshaped by new analysis.
LaGuardia expressed his interest in the Mayoral running after he lost his final term in Congress, November 1932. On November 22, 1932 LaGuardia invited “Key men and women in politics and all walks of like to attend an anti-Tammany (present mayor) meeting at town hall” (Mann, P.66). At this meeting, LaGuardia knew that it was too early to talk about candidates. But he did offer a very clear and powerful outline of his beliefs to a reporter for the ‘nation’. He states: “While everybody is talking about the necessity of a change in our City government, there is nothing really practical, concrete and definite being done. Public opinion must not only be crystallized, but must be translated into action through the medium of an actual fighting organization of determined men and women. The election machinery cannot be over-looked. The best intentions and good will even of a majority of the people cannot, unless properly prepared, overcome the crookedness, corruption and violence of an entrenched political machine” (Mann, P. 66).
Political machines were supported by continuing immigration, sustained by patronage, enlarged by wealth, and in the end were weeded out by reformers progress for public rather than private good, and caused by the need for public works and skilled workers, after the population of cities expanded.
Urban workers received numerous benefits from the political machines of the late nineteenth century. In major cities such as New York, political machines flourished due to the large influx of immigrants. The machine politicians sustained power by forming treaties with citizens and immigrants, in return the machines received political support. They would primarily target those in need, most often new immigrants. The immigrants would likely take the machine's offer due to their lack of money, poor housing, and an inability to find sufficient work. Many of the citizens were reluctant to oppose the machines due to the immense support that they provided for everyday citizens, as well as businesses. Political machines offered a way for urban
During the late 19th and early 20th century both the Populist Party and Progressive movement wanted to preserve some things, while also addressing the need for reform. Although many of the ideas and goals of these “Third parties” were initially not legislated and considered far-fetched, many of these ideas later became fundamental laws throughout American history. The Populists and Progressives were both grass roots movements, and addressed the needs of the poor and powerless, for the Populists it was farmers and for the Progressives it was urban lower and middle class workers. These two movements attempted to bring the powerless peoples issues to national politics. The Populists and Progressives wanted to preserve some American ideals of the past, such as a sense of community and the ability for farmers and workers to live happily without economic strains. Populists were more oriented to the plight of the farmer while the Progressives included women's rights, and protection of the consumer and labor.
To begin with George Washington Plunkitt stated that ‘A politician that embezzles is worse than a crook because he is a fool. He was mainly a democratic senator in New York. Around the 20th century he developed thought on politics, which kind of acts as a man can apply his political theories only in his area or town. Since a lot of people were not aware of the political implications being created, they disagreed with the workings of Tammany Hall according to Plunkitt. Also the Tammany Hall and the politicians from there created a positive vibe about politics in the society. I believe educating them about politics and reaching out to them made the population there more
In turn, when votes are changed, different public officials are elected. The government officials are the men and women who make the laws and generally run the country. The mass media is at the beginning of a long chain, but nonetheless, the media has a powerful effect on politics in the United States. Works Cited
Politics is the means for attaining valued things. Although, valued things are different in every society, the means of securing those things has never changed. The competition for power, authority and influence will always be the backbone of politics. Applying power, authority and influence to the valued things that support the public good, will produce the quality of life a society desires. In the present day, citizens in the United States demand certain valued things such as welfare, education, safe streets and healthcare. Through politics, citizens can apply their power in many different ways to get the things they want. Power is the ability to get someone to do something they may or may not want to do. Through the use of or the application of coercion, persuasion, manipulation and negotiation, power is used to influence the system.