Lesson 1 Political Concepts and Reforms

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Political Machine

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A structured political group led by a powerful leader or a small group, which relies on the loyalty of followers and businesses, often exchanging favors for their support.

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Boss Tweed

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William Magear Tweed, known as 'Boss' Tweed, was an American politician most notable for being the 'boss' of Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in the politics of 19th century New York City and State.

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Civil Service

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A sector of government composed mainly of career bureaucrats hired on professional merit rather than appointed or elected, whose institutional tenure typically survives transitions of political leadership.

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Spoils System/patronage

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A practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends, and relatives as a reward for working toward victory.

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Progressive

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A political movement that addresses ideas, impulses, and issues stemming from modernization of American society. It typically advocates for reform and change.

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Reform

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The improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, unsatisfactory, etc., especially in politics.

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Muckrakers

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Journalists and writers who exposed corruption and problems in society, often leading to public demand for reform.

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Seventeenth Amendment

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An amendment to the United States Constitution that established the direct election of United States senators by popular vote.

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Robert M. La Follette

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An influential American politician known for his advocacy of progressive reforms and his strong stance against the influence of corporations in politics.

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Recall

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A procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote before that official's term has ended.