Final answer:
During the Gilded Age, political corruption stemmed from industrial growth and economic inequality, with politicians engaging in illicit activities for business support. The government’s attempts to combat corruption included acts like the Pendleton Civil Service Reform and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, but significant reform only gained traction in the Progressive Era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The political corruption during the Gilded Age was a result of rapid industrial growth, which created vast economic inequalities and allowed political figures to engage in graft and bribery with impunity. Politicians often catered to business interests, seeking political support and wealth through illegal means. The era, labeled by Mark Twain, reflected a thin veneer of prosperity that covered deep systemic corruption, as typified by the notorious political machine Tammany Hall in New York, led by William "Boss" Tweed.
In response to the widespread corruption, the government attempted reforms. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was one such measure, aimed at curbing the spoils system and replacing it with a merit-based system of hiring and promotion within the federal government. Additionally, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was passed to combat monopolies and foster competition, though its effectiveness at the time was questioned. Despite these efforts, the impact of reforms was limited during the Gilded Age, and only with the advent of the Progressive Era did more significant strides in addressing corruption begin to take hold.
The combination of acquired political power by a few, socioeconomic transformations, and the pervasive patronage system highlighted the need for a broader democratic engagement. Subsequent movements and new political parties arose from grassroots efforts to combat the consequences of corruption and power consolidation.