Final answer:
Party machines like Tammany Hall had a profound impact on American politics, providing services in exchange for votes but engaging in widespread corruption, including graft, rigged elections, and bribery. These machines, characteristically led by powerful 'bosses' like William Tweed, helped and exploited citizens while profoundly affecting governance in several U.S. cities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Party Machines on American Politics
Party machines, such as Tammany Hall, had a significant impact on American politics during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Operated by individuals like William "Boss" Tweed, these political machines controlled votes by offering timely solutions like jobs, housing, and other services in exchange for electoral support. This system, while providing some immediate relief to constituents, was corrupt, involving practices like bribery, graft, and rigged elections. The influence of such machines extended well beyond just New York; cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Cleveland also had similar political systems. Despite the corruption, these machines were seen as a necessary evil by many working-class and immigrant neighborhoods for the support they offered.
Political Corruption and graft were endemic to party machines, with funds often being used for both public services and to enrich the machine operators through kickbacks and bribes. Tammany Hall is one of the most infamous examples, with Tweed and his associates extracting over $200 million from New York City through their corrupt practices. However, the Progressive Era signaled a change, focusing on reforming such abuses of power in local government.