Question

There are very few party machines left today because

a) civil service reform and the institution of the merit system mean that party leaders can no longer control who is appointed to government jobs.
b) so many americans identify as so-called independents rather than as members of one of the political parties.
c) local, state, and the federal governments have decreased in size to the point that almost no jobs are available to distribute as patronage.
d) the supreme court ruled in 1943 that party machines cannot qualify as tax-exempt organizations.

Answer 1

Party machines in the United States have declined due to civil service reform, the rise of independents, decreased availability of government jobs, and a Supreme Court ruling.

Step-by-step explanation:

A party machine refers to a political organization that controls the selection and appointment of government officials. There are various factors that have led to the decline of party machines in the United States:

1. Civil service reform and the institution of the merit system: Previously, party leaders had control over who was appointed to government jobs through the patronage system. However, civil service reform and the adoption of the merit system mean that appointments are now based on qualifications rather than party loyalty.
2. Increasing number of independents: Many Americans now identify as independents rather than members of political parties, which reduces the influence of party machines.
3. Decreased availability of government jobs: As governments at the local, state, and federal levels have decreased in size, there are fewer jobs available to distribute as patronage.
4. Supreme Court ruling on tax-exempt status: In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled that party machines cannot qualify as tax-exempt organizations, which may have further limited their influence.

Overall, a combination of civil service reform, changing political dynamics, and legal decisions have contributed to the decline of party machines in the United States.