Final answer:
Political patronage refers to the allocation of resources and positions based on political support, a practice evident since the era of President Andrew Jackson's spoils system. This system enforces party loyalty and can lead to the appointment of supporters to key positions as well as exerting influence over legislation. While it reinforces party discipline, it also raises concerns about government efficiency and potential for corruption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The resources available to higher officials, such as the ability to make partisan appointments to offices, and conferring grants, licenses, or special favors to supporters, are part of a broader concept known as political patronage. This practice has been historically significant in U.S. politics, notably under the spoils system during President Andrew Jackson’s era, where a significant number of bureaucratic offices were filled by party loyalists. Political patronage serves to reinforce party loyalty and can influence the functioning of the government by allocating resources and positions based on support rather than merit. Examples of this practice include appointing supporters and friends to key positions, supporting legislation or appropriations that benefit the constituencies of members of Congress, and various small gestures like providing autographed photos or granting the ability to announce federal grants. While this practice has been a means to enforce party discipline, it has also raised concerns about efficiency and corruption, as seen in historical instances where industries have used their power and influence to bribe politicians. Special interests influence the political process by exerting power over elected officials, which can be considered a form of political patronage as well.