Editing Philadelphia Political Machine (section)

== Legacy ==

Philadelphia's machine politics left lasting marks on the city's governmental structure, political culture, and civic expectations. The concentration of power in party organizations shaped how citizens related to government, with services often flowing through political connections rather than administrative channels. Corruption, while reduced from machine-era heights, has remained a periodic concern, with public officials continuing to face prosecution for various schemes.<ref name="machine"/>

The reform tradition that challenged machine politics also persists, with periodic movements seeking to reduce political influence over government operations. Tensions between organization politics and reform impulses continue shaping Philadelphia governance, from debates over patronage to fights over party endorsements to questions about transparency and accountability. The machine's shadow extends over Philadelphia politics even as its formal structures have diminished.<ref name="machine"/>