In the late 1800s many large cities seemed to use political machines. Elected officials would cooperate with private businesses to get things done. At the top of these systems were political bosses, who may not have held office, they often knew who to talk to to get things done. The easiest way to get things done was through corruption. While driven by self-interest and the hunger for power, there was some positive influence to these political machines. The tammany hall machine came to power by appealing to the poor and immigrant demographics by offering to help them. Basically bribing people with gifts or legal assistance in return for votes during elections. The massive immigrant population pouring in gave them more than enough ballots
