The Gilded Age saw rampant political corruption due to weak leadership and a patronage system that rewarded loyalty over merit. Bribery and graft were common, with politicians often accepting kickbacks from businesses in exchange for favors and contracts.

The 1877 Compromise ended Reconstruction and shifted political power, while urban machines and interest groups gained influence. Muckraking journalists exposed corruption, but laissez-faire economics allowed powerful industrialists to dominate government policy.

Political Corruption in the Gilded Age

Weak leadership and congressional patronage

• Weak presidential leadership allowed corruption to flourish as presidents often deferred to Congress and political bosses instead of providing strong executive oversight and accountability
• Congressional patronage system enabled senators and representatives to control federal appointments in their states and districts, rewarding political supporters and building loyalty through a "spoils system" where government jobs were given based on political connections rather than merit
• Lack of civil service reform meant there were no standardized hiring practices or job protections for federal employees, allowing government jobs to be easily manipulated for political gain
• Prevalence of bribery and kickbacks became commonplace as politicians often accepted bribes from businesses and interest groups in exchange for government contracts and favors
  • This practice of using political influence for personal gain became known as graft

Impact of 1877 Compromise

• Ended disputed 1876 presidential election by awarding the presidency to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes over Democrat Samuel Tilden in exchange for Democrats accepting Hayes' victory and receiving concessions
• Withdrawal of federal troops from the South allowed Southern states to regain control of their governments, leading to the end of Reconstruction and the erosion of African American civil rights (voting restrictions, segregation)
• Shift in national political power occurred as Republicans maintained control of the presidency and federal government while Democrats solidified their hold on the "Solid South"
• Disillusionment with the political system grew as the compromise was perceived as a corrupt bargain that prioritized political expediency over principle, contributing to a growing sense of public distrust in government

Influence of machines and interest groups

• Rise of urban political machines, organized networks that controlled local government in major cities (Tammany Hall in New York City, Democratic Party machine in Chicago), provided services and jobs to immigrants and working-class residents in exchange for political support
  • These organizations were often led by influential political bosses who wielded significant power over local affairs
• Influence of business interests grew as corporations and industry groups lobbied politicians for favorable policies, with railroads, steel companies, and other big businesses often having significant sway over government decisions
• Emergence of organized labor in the late 19th century saw labor unions begin to exert political influence, pushing for policies such as the eight-hour workday and improved working conditions
• Populist movement, an agrarian political movement, challenged the power of banks, railroads, and other corporate interests by advocating for policies such as currency reform (free silver) and the direct election of senators

Economic and journalistic influences

• Laissez-faire economics dominated government policy, favoring minimal intervention in business affairs and contributing to the rise of powerful industrialists known as robber barons
• Muckraking journalists played a crucial role in exposing political corruption and social issues, helping to raise public awareness and drive reform efforts
• Lobbying became an increasingly prevalent practice as various interest groups sought to influence legislation and policy decisions in their favor