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.

Notable "Bosses" and their political machines

• George Cox of Cincinnati
• James Michael Curley of Boston
• Richard J. Daley of Chicago
• Frank Hague of Jersey City
• Tom Pendergast of Kansas City, Missouri
• Edward H. Crump of Memphis, Tennessee
• George Norcross of South Jersey
• George Parr of Duval County, Texas
• Daniel P O'Connell of Albany County, New York
• Theodore Bilbo of Mississippi