Are the boss and the political machine similiar to current local systems of government?

I keep coming up with nothing when I google this question, could someone please help?
Thanks.

Here are some links that may help. Other teachers may have further ideas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_J._Daley

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_machine

As with all Wikipedia search results, be sure to check out all the external links and further references at the bottom of each Wikipedia page.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/467617/political-machine

http://www.answers.com/topic/political-machine