political machines
Broader Term: political behavior6 DocumentsScope Note
Special organizations for the control of elections and offices and the distribution of spoils; personal and party machines; rewards to members and controlled voters (e.g., jobs, contracts, favors, police protection, petty graft); mechanisms of mobility within the machine (e.g., ward heeling, getting out the vote); relations with the underworld; extent of political corruption; attempts at reform; etc.