ward boss
Local political chief
A ward boss is a local political operative who controls votes and patronage in a particular district or neighborhood.
The term evokes the machine politics of American cities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when bosses delivered votes in exchange for jobs, favors, and protection.
The ward boss made sure everyone on the block voted Democratic.
- precinctAdministrative jurisdiction zone
- machinePower-driven working device
- political machinePatronage-based party structure
- TammanyDefunct patronage organization
- city hallSeat of local government
patronage · old boy network · alderman · graft · votes · voter turnout · get out the vote · cronies · cigar · backroom · smoke-filled room · favor · kickback · cash envelope · walking around money · poll · district · henchman
ward bosselected official
Voter-chosen public servant
elected representative · congressman · senator · mayor · goo-goo
ward bossprecinct captain
Local electoral district leader
ward heeler · party chairman · foot soldier · president · governor
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