2.4.1 Study: Government Corruption

William "Boss" Tweed

(1823 - 1878) A powerful politician from New York who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He is best known for his leadership of the N.Y.C Democratic Party + for being convicted of stealing millions of dollars of taxpayer money.

Crédit Mobilier

A company formed by the Union Pacific Railroad to build railroads. Union Pacific gave stocks in Crédit Mobilier to congressional representatives to gain their support. This was against the law.

Grantism

A term invented in 1872 by Charles Sumner, a U.S. senator. It referred to all of the dishonorable things that happened during the term of President Grant.

Nepotism

Awarding political positions to family members.

Cronyism

Awarding political positions to personal friends.

Patronage

Awarding positions to political supporters.

How did corruption in the federal government during Grant's administration help cause the end of Reconstruction?

In 1872, Congress passed the General Amnesty Act, which removed all restrictions against former Confederate officials.

How did political machines gain + maintain power?

Political machines offered services to voters + businesses in exchange for political or financial support. they gained control of local govt. in cities such as N.Y.C, Chicago, Baltimore, + San Francisco.

How was the corruption related to Crédit Mobilier different from that of the Whiskey Ring?

The Crédit Mobilier was more of a kickback situation where the gov. officials got a bonus while the whiskey ring was avoiding taxes that everyone legally has to pay.

What is the "spoils system" in American politics?

The practice in which the political party winning an election rewards its campaign workers + other active supporters by appointment to gov. posts + w/ other favors.

How did political bosses make money from the system?

When the political boss would give out contracts they would expect money in return in the form of kickbacks. The contract would then cost more then it needed to be, in paying for the building + the kickbacks so then the city would raise taxes + the taxpayers would basically get robbed.