How did political machines maintain support of citizens?
Where? When?
Again, I'm sure your text materials address this question and the answer is waiting for you to read about it. Here are several articles about political machines:
http://www.bing.com/search?q=political+machines+and+patronage%2C+charity&form=EDGNTC&qs=PF&cvid=c94f011fff824f5184f371b6a292bd02&pq=political+machines+and+patronage%2C+charity
Political machines maintained support of citizens through various tactics that allowed them to build and sustain a loyal voter base. Here's how they did it:
1. Patronage: Political machines provided jobs, contracts, and services to their loyal supporters in exchange for their votes. They utilized the spoils system, where government positions and benefits were granted to individuals based on their political allegiance rather than merit or qualifications. This meant that those who aligned themselves with the machine were rewarded with employment and other perks, ensuring their continued support.
2. Social Services: Political machines recognized the needs of their constituents and established social services to address them. They provided assistance with housing, healthcare, job placement, and education, particularly for immigrant communities or disadvantaged groups. By meeting the immediate and tangible needs of the population, machines gained the gratitude and loyalty of their beneficiaries.
3. Building a sense of community: Machines created a sense of community and solidarity among their supporters by organizing social gatherings, festivals, parades, and other events. These gatherings provided opportunities for individuals to interact, network, and feel part of something larger than themselves. This sense of belonging fostered a strong attachment to the machine and its leaders.
4. Control over local institutions: Political machines often exerted control over local institutions, such as schools, police departments, and courts. By influencing or even manipulating these institutions, machines were able to shape policies and outcomes that benefited their constituents. This control further solidified their power and support base.
5. Effective communication: Machines utilized effective communication strategies to disseminate their propaganda and maintain a positive image among the population. They controlled newspapers, owned printing presses, and had access to public platforms where their message could be spread. This allowed them to shape public opinion and control the narrative, ensuring that their supporters saw them in a favorable light.
It is important to note that the methods employed by political machines were often characterized by corruption, coercion, and abuse of power. While they provided certain benefits to their supporters, these machines often operated outside the bounds of ethical and transparent governance.