Final answer:
Political machines like Tammany Hall in New York City provided services and addressed urban issues for the working class in exchange for political support, but were also deeply entwined with corruption and graft. These entities were a response to the slow bureaucracy in growing urban areas and played a significant role in American urban politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Machine Politics
In the context of urban America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, political machines played a critical role in addressing the needs of the working class, particularly immigrants. These political entities, epitomized by the likes of Tammany Hall in New York City, operated under the leadership of influential bosses such as William 'Boss' Tweed. Instead of navigating through the slow governmental bureaucracy, citizens turned to their local political machine, which could swiftly provide solutions such as building sidewalks or addressing sanitation issues. In exchange for such services, residents were expected to support the machine's candidates in elections.
While these machines provided tangible benefits, they were also synonymous with corruption and graft. They formed a nexus between business interests and political power, often resulting in higher taxes for citizens due to the kickbacks and inflated contracts granted by machine politicians.
The case of Tammany Hall is illustrative of how political machines operated in major cities, influencing elections and offering social services to the working class. This form of politics, while effective in garnering votes and maintaining political power, had a darker side involving bribery, intimidation, and a deep-rooted system of quid pro quo.