Question

"There’s an honest graft, and I’m an example of how it works. I might sum up the whole thing by sayin’: I seen my opportunities and I took ‘em" The quote helps explain what consequence of politics during the Gilded Age?

a) Wealth was gained by politicians through ethical means.
b) Business favors, bribery, and gambling were snuffed out by politicians upholding Republican values.
c) Political machines were often susceptible to corruption.
d) Police played a large role in stamping out the corruption of political machines.

Answer 1

The quote about 'honest graft' exemplifies the corruption inherent in the political machines of the Gilded Age, highlighting how politicians like those in Tammany Hall used their influence for personal gain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quote refers to the concept of 'honest graft,' as described by politicians like George Washington Plunkitt of Tammany Hall. It helps explain the consequence of politics during the Gilded Age, highlighting that political machines were often susceptible to corruption.

The term 'honest graft' cheekily refers to the practice where politicians would use their knowledge of city plans to inform their personal investments, profiting from public works without technically breaking the law. It's a euphemism for a commonly corrupt practice that was rationalized as an inevitable part of the political system during that time.

Tammany Hall, the Democratic political machine in New York, and its leader William 'Boss' Tweed, exemplified this era. These machines provided services and jobs for votes while skimming money through graft and kickbacks. The Gilded Age was characterized by such political strategies, where officials leveraged their positions for personal gain under the guise of operating within legal boundaries, often pushing the boundaries of ethical behavior.

Therefore answer is c) Political machines were often susceptible to corruption.