Political machine

A political machine is an unofficial system of political organization based on patronage, the spoils system, and "behind-the-scenes" control within the structure of a representative democracy. Machine politics has existed in many United States cities, especially between about 1875 and 1920, but continuing in some cases down to the present day. It is also common (under the name clientelism or political clientelism) in Latin America, especially in rural areas. Japan's Liberal Democratic Party is often cited as another political machine, maintaining power in suburban and rural areas through its control of farm bureaus and road construction agencies.

Related Topics:
Political - Patronage - Spoils system - Representative democracy - United States - 1875 - 1920 - Latin America - Liberal Democratic Party

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The key to a political machine is patronage: holding public office implies the ability to do favors (and also the ability to profit from graft). Political machines generally steer away from issues-based politics, favoring a quid pro quo with certain aspects of a barter economy or gift economy: the patron or "boss" does favors for the constituents; constituents vote as they are told to. Often, this system of favors is supplemented by threats of violence or harassment toward those who attempt to step outside of it. http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clientelismo_político

Related Topics:
Patronage - Graft - Barter economy - Gift economy

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