Final answer:
Political machines engaged in providing social services, encouraging political patronage, and influencing votes through coercion. Combatting corruption in government was not an activity of political machines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Political machines were informal political groups that aimed to gain and retain power. The correct answer to the question is d. Combatting corruption in government, as political machines were often associated with corruption and graft. They engaged in activities such as providing social services to the community, encouraging political patronage, and influencing votes through coercion.