How did political bosses of the Gilded Age, such as Boss Tweed, use democracy for corrupt purposes?

Political bosses of the Gilded Age, such as Boss Tweed, used democracy for  corrupt purposes by giving the citizens basic amenities and jobs in exchange of their loyalty at the polls. Through this means, they were able to control the people, the politics, and businesses during the gilded age.

Explanation:

During the 19th century, many immigrants trooped into the United States and this was accompanied by lack of jobs and the basic needs. Political machines like Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall were able to gain control of the political sphere by offering jobs and basic needs to the people in exchange of votes for their preferred candidates. These chosen candidates were most times not qualified for the jobs. Political bosses also used them to get kickbacks, award contracts to themselves, and siphon money for their personal use.

Boss Tweed was a political machine who acquired lots of lands in the United States and became the director of many top organizations through this means. He was jailed when the financial records of his dealings became exposed.

the quote by walter cronkite contributes to the central idea of the text by supporting the central idea. cronkite argues that what is deemed “right” for and in america may not be good for other countries. this supports the central idea of the text, that the vietnam war was unpopular in america for multiple reasons- including cronkite’s.