Issues of the Gilded Age Political and Economic Challenges

Why was it difficult for Republicans or Democrats to gain control of the White House and both houses of Congress at the same time during the Gilded Age?

Balance of Power Creates Stalemate

How did the balance of power during the Gilded Age affect the passing of new laws?

It made it very difficult to pass new laws.

What was a common characteristic of the presidents during the Gilded Age?

They were poor leaders and often appeared weak.

What are Political Machines?

An organized group that controls a city's political party.

What services do Political Machines provide?

They provide services to voters and businesses in exchange for political and financial support.

When did Political Machines gain control of major cities?

After the Civil War.

What is the hierarchy of a Political Machine organization?

It consists of Precinct Captains, Ward Bosses, and a City Boss.

Who was known as 'Boss' Tweed?

William Tweed

What political machine was led by William 'Boss' Tweed?

Tammany Hall

What party did William Tweed keep in power in NYC?

Democratic Party

Who was Thomas Nast?

Political cartoonist

What did Thomas Nast expose?

Illegal activities of politicians

Who did Thomas Nast's cartoons expose?

William 'Boss' Tweed

Was Tweed eventually arrested?

Yes, Tweed was arrested. He escaped to Spain, but was identified through one of Nast's cartoons.

The Spoils System

First used by Andrew Jackson and was the policy by which politicians awarded government jobs to loyal party workers, with little regard for their qualifications. The spoils system became more and more sophisticated over time and consumed much of the government. There was a feeling that the spoils system corrupted government, or at least made it terribly inefficient. Prominent figures promoted civil service reforms. In a reformed system, most government workers would get their jobs due to their expertise and maintain them regardless of which political party won the election. It took the assassination of President James Garfield by Charles Guiteau to make civil service reform a reality. Guiteau shot Garfield because he believed that the Republican Party had not fulfilled its promise to give him a government job.

Who signed the Pendleton Civil Service Act?

Chester Arthur

What did the Pendleton Civil Service Act establish?

Civil Service Commission

What did individuals have to do to work for the government under the Pendleton Civil Service Act?

Take a Civil Service exam

What did the Pendleton Civil Service Act aim to reduce the power of?

Spoils system

1883 Percent of Federal Employees (Due to the Pendleton Civil Service Act)

12%

1900 Percent of Federal Employees (Due to the Pendleton Civil Service Act)

50%