A
political machine is a group designed to keep and gain power. The cities were
rapidly growing and needed jobs, food, housing, and other necessities.
Political machines and party bosses helped provide for these necessities. The
party bosses that controlled the political machines were also in charge of the
city’s finances, this was a problem at times. Party bosses grew rich as the
result of getting money through dishonesty.
George Plunkitt, New York’s most
powerful party boss, defended himself with the “honest graft.” This basically
means 'I see my opportunity and I take it.' A lot of the party bosses used the city for
resources, took bribes, and gave contracts to their friends. A lot of people
didn’t like the political machines, and other people defended them by saying that
they were providing necessary services and kept the city running.
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