USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Political machines started as grass roots organizations to gain the patronage needed to win the modern election. Having strong patronage, these “clubs” were the main driving force in gaining and getting out the “straight party vote” in the election districts.

Detailed explanation-2: -Starting around 1900, however, people power started to take apart political machines such as Tammany Hall. Nationwide, a progressive era began. Reform candidates called for an end to political patronage. Journalists exposed and lampooned the corruption of political bosses.

Detailed explanation-3: -In politics, a boss is a person who controls a faction or local branch of a political party. They do not necessarily hold public office themselves; most historical bosses did not, at least during the times of their greatest influence.

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