USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -This system of political control-known as “bossism"-emerged particularly in the Gilded Age. A single powerful figure (the boss) was at the center and was bound together to a complex organization of lesser figures (the political machine) by reciprocity in promoting financial and social self-interest.

Detailed explanation-2: -City governments were dominated by political machines. Members of a small network gained power and used the public treasury to stay in power-and grow fabulously rich in the process. Not until the dawn of the 20th century would serious attempts be made to correct the abuses of Gilded Age government.

Detailed explanation-3: -Politics in the Gilded Age were characterized by scandal and corruption, but voter turnout reached an all-time high. The Republican Party supported business and industry with a protective tariff and hard money policies. The Democratic Party opposed the tariff and eventually adopted the free silver platform.

Detailed explanation-4: -William Tweed, the “boss” of Tammany Hall, played a major role in New York City politics during the mid-1800s.