machine politics
Spoils system governance
Machine politics is a system where a political organization—the "machine"—maintains power through patronage, favors, and tight control of voting blocs rather than ideological appeal.
The machine dispenses jobs, contracts, and services in exchange for loyalty and votes: Tammany Hall exemplified machine politics in New York.
The term usually carries negative connotations of corruption and bossism.
- bossWorkplace superior
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- TammanyDefunct patronage organization
- wardProtected person; division
- ward heelerLow-level political operative
precinct · kickback · graft · bag man · palm greasing · spoils · cronyism · old boys club · backroom · smoke-filled room · alderman · fixers · ballot · stuffing · courthouse · handshake · loyalty · favors
- city historycity history, city archives, city development, urban development, historic districts
- Illinois historyAbraham Lincoln, Chicago, Springfield, Chicago Fire, Great Chicago Fire
- party politicsparty, parties, party member, party system, party affiliation
- Spoils Systemspoils system, patronage, cronyism, favoritism, appointments
- Chicago governmentalderman, city clerk, city treasurer, precinct, city budget
- corruptioncorruption, graft, kickbacks, bribery, bribes
machine politicsprogressive reform
Gradual institutional improvement
merit system · transparency · anti-corruption · sunshine laws · open government
machine politicsgrassroots politics
Civic action from below
grassroots movement · direct democracy · participatory democracy · community organizing · populist movement
machine, machines, machined, machining, machinist, machinery, mechanic, mechanical, mechanically