Final answer:
A political machine is an informal political group that provides necessities in exchange for votes. party bosses use bribery and corruption to gain and keep power in local governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
A political machine is an informal political group designed to gain and keep power by offering necessities in exchange for votes. Party bosses, such as William Marcy Tweed of Tammany Hall would provide jobs, housing, food, heat, and police protection to citizens in return for their political support. despite the corruption and bribery involved, political machines were able to control local governments and maintain political strongholds in many cities during the Progressive Era.