Question

(02.05 hc)

the following quote is from a politician in new york city in 1905.

\theres the biggest kind of a difference between political looters and politicians who make a fortune out of politics by keepin their eyes wide open. the looter goes in for himself alone without considerin his organization or his city. the politician looks after his own interests, the organizations interests, and the citys interests all at the same time. see the distinction?\

based on this quote, the author most likely supported which of the following?

socialism
muckraking
social darwinism
political machines

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of the quote

Using the Political Machines knowledge point, we identify this 1905 quote as the famous defense of "honest graft" by George Washington Plunkitt, a key figure in Tammany Hall, New York City's notorious Democratic political machine.

Examine the distinction made in the text

Plunkitt distinguishes between "political looters" (dishonest graft, like stealing directly from the treasury) and politicians who make a fortune by "keepin' their eyes wide open" (honest graft, like buying up real estate before public projects are announced). He argues that his methods serve his own interests, his organization's interests, and the city's interests simultaneously.

Evaluate the relationship to the answer choices

Using the Muckrakers knowledge point, we know that reformers and muckrakers strongly opposed this type of political corruption. Plunkitt's defense of "the organization" (the machine) directly supports the preservation and justification of Political Machines, while opposing reform movements like muckraking or socialism.

Answer:

• Socialism
• Muckraking
• Social Darwinism
• Political machines (Correct answer)