Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:15:18 GMT
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As NYC's Transportation Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan managed the seemingly impossible and transformed the streets of one of the world s greatest, toughest cities into dynamic spaces safe for pedestrians and bikers. Her approach was dramatic and effective: she rewrote the rule book and involved local artists in a radical approach to city planning. In Streetfight, Sadik-Khan writes about the struggles she faced while making her approach work, and how it is now being implemented.
Chapter 1: The Blueprint for a Political Machine
* Explains the key components of a political machine: control over patronage, media, and the electoral process.
* Example: The Daley machine in Chicago, which used city jobs and contracts to reward supporters and control the electorate.
Chapter 2: The Power of Patronage
* Discusses the use of government jobs and contracts to reward supporters and build political support.
* Example: The patronage system in New York City under Tammany Hall, which dispensed jobs and favors to loyal voters.
Chapter 3: Controlling the Media
* Explains how political machines use media outlets to shape public opinion and promote their candidates.
* Example: The Pulitzer family's control of the New York World, which supported Tammany Hall and its Democratic candidates.
Chapter 4: Rigging the Electoral Process
* Describes the tactics used by political machines to manipulate elections, such as gerrymandering, voter suppression, and fraud.
* Example: The Democratic machine in Philadelphia, which engaged in widespread voter fraud and intimidation to secure victory in elections.
Chapter 5: The Rise of the Urban Machine
* Discusses the historical factors that led to the rise of political machines in the United States, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
* Example: The influx of immigrants, the growth of cities, and the need for political organization to provide services and address social problems.
Chapter 6: The Political Machine as an Instrument of Social Control
* Explores the ways in which political machines maintained social order and stability in urban areas.
* Example: The Tammany machine in New York City provided social services, such as hospitals and orphanages, to earn the support of the poor and working class.
Chapter 7: The Decline of the Urban Machine
* Discusses the factors that led to the decline of political machines in the mid-20th century.
* Example: The rise of the suburbs, the expansion of the welfare state, and the emergence of new forms of interest group politics.
Chapter 8: The Legacy of the Political Machine
* Examines the lasting impact of political machines on American politics and society.
* Example: The legacy of patronage and corruption in urban politics, as well as the importance of machine-style organization in modern political campaigns.
