activities of political machines
The diagram shows the responsibilities and activities of political machines. Political machines were organizations with a hierarchy that worked to get votes for a political party or candidate. They operated similarly to a crime organization like a gang or the Mob but were completely legal.
Tammany Hall was a largest and most well known political machine. Members of the machine worked with immigrants to get their votes by exchanging votes for favors and even promise of a government job. The immigrant groups tended to benefit from the system because they were able to get good jobs and didn't care about their vote when they are taken care of. Supporters could expect to get rewarded with jobs within city hall, the police department, or other city services. The political machines also helped to build churches, police stations, fire departments, and other city services people wanted to feel safe in their cities. Ultimately political machines were outlawed because they used corrupt methods to get votes and ruined the democratic process.
