Editing Political Machine Era (section)

== How the Machine Worked ==

The Philadelphia machine operated through a hierarchical structure that reached into every neighborhood. At the top were the city and county bosses who controlled nominations and major patronage. Below them, ward leaders controlled their geographic territories, delivering votes and receiving a share of jobs and contracts in return. At the base, division committeemen—there were over 1,300 election divisions in the city—knew the voters on their blocks personally, helped them with problems, and made sure they voted correctly on election day. This organization gave the machine an intimate presence in working-class neighborhoods that reform movements could rarely match.<ref name="reichley">{{cite book |last=Reichley |first=A. James |title=The Art of Government: Reform and Organization Politics in Philadelphia |year=1959 |publisher=The Fund for the Republic |location=New York}}</ref>

Patronage was the lifeblood of the machine. Philadelphia's city government employed thousands of workers in positions ranging from clerks to laborers to inspectors, and the machine controlled most of these jobs. Employees were expected to contribute a percentage of their salaries to the party—typically 2 to 5 percent—and to work for the organization on election day. Beyond city jobs, the machine influenced hiring for the [[Pennsylvania Railroad]], utilities, and other major employers who valued good relations with city government. Contracts for construction, supplies, and services provided additional resources to reward supporters and punish opponents. The machine did not simply steal elections; it won them by delivering tangible benefits to voters who reciprocated with loyal support.<ref name="mccaffery"/>