Final answer:
Political machines were informal political groups developed to gain power in cities by providing necessities for political support. One famous example is Tammany Hall in New York City.
Step-by-step explanation:
An informal political group utilized to gain and maintain power in cities, particularly in rapidly growing ones, was referred to as a political machine. These organizations assured citizens that their immediate needs would be focused on, in exchange for political support in future elections. An exemplary instance of such a system was the infamous Tammany Hall in New York City, led by William Tweed. Tammany Hall, which functioned predominantly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, symbolizes one of the most notorious political machines. Despite the widespread corruption, these political machines continued to achieve results for their constituents, maintain political power, and in effect controlled city politics.
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