Question

question 8 of 10

what does a political machine do?

a. a political machine supports political candidates and is found at voting precincts where it can influence voters to vote a certain way.
b. a political machine places a candidate in a commanding lead in a political race and sells that position to the highest bidder.
c. a political machine is managed by a boss and helps political candidates win elections or keep power.
d. a political machine pushes one candidate to the forefront of an election through the combined power of a group of politicians.

Explanation:

Define a political machine

A political machine is a highly organized political organization in which an authoritative boss or small group commands the support of a corps of supporters and businesses, who receive rewards for their efforts.

Analyze the core functions

The primary goal of a political machine is to maintain political control of a city, county, or state. It achieves this by mobilizing voters, securing patronage jobs for supporters, and ensuring their chosen candidates win elections to keep the organization in power.

Evaluate the given options

• Option A focuses too narrowly on physical voting precincts and voter influence, which does not capture the overall organizational structure.
• Option B incorrectly states that they sell commanding leads to the highest bidder, which is not their defining systemic function.
• Option C accurately describes the structure (managed by a boss) and the primary objective (helping candidates win elections and retain power).
• Option D describes a general coalition of politicians rather than the disciplined, boss-led hierarchical structure of a political machine.

Answer:

• (A) A political machine supports political candidates and is found at voting precincts where it can influence voters to vote a certain way.
• (B) A political machine places a candidate in a commanding lead in a political race and sells that position to the highest bidder.
• (C) A political machine is managed by a boss and helps political candidates win elections or keep power. (Correct answer)
• (D) A political machine pushes one candidate to the forefront of an election through the combined power of a group of politicians.