Politics in the Gilded Age Section 15*3 pp Preview Questions 1.How did political machines control the cities? 2.How were political bosses corrupt? 3.How was civil service reformed? 4.What happened to tariffs? I. Political Machines Group that controlled the activities of a political party in a city Controlled city jobs and agencies Solved problems for voters Rely on immigrant support II. Graft and Scandal Graft: Illegal use of political power for personal gain Use fake names to vote Kickbacks and Bribes II. Graft and Scandal Boss Tweed Controlled Tammany Hall Machine in NYC Accused of stealing $40m form NYC taxpayers Eventually jailed III. Civil Service Replaces Patronage Patronage: Rewarding political supporters with jobs Problem: Inept people get jobs Civil Service Program: Based on merit Rutherford B. Hayes Leaves office over reform issues Stalwart: Oppose reform James A. Garfield Turns out to be reformer Assassinated III. Civil Service Replaces Patronage Chester A. Arthur Also turns reformer Pendelton Civil Service Act Qualified workers Results in close ties b/w business and govt IV. Business Buys Influence Grover Cleveland Tries to reduce tariffs, but fails Benjamin Harrison McKinley Tariff Act: Highest levels yet