Chapter 15

Section 1

Bribe: Money paid to someone to do something against the law.

Civil Service: System that includes most government workers who are appointed rather than elected.

Kickback: An illegal payment of money made in return for a favor or service.

US grew strong Millions of immigrants

came to US:◦ Factories◦ Steel mills◦ RR

Growth brought problems:◦ Some used wealth and

power to change laws for their gain

Many Americans began working to reform business and govt.

Gilded Age: (covered with gold)◦ Wealthy did not care about the

poor◦ Corruption spread throughout the

U.S. Some leaders of big

businesses used money to do good things:◦ Created jobs◦ Helped poor people◦ Built museums and other public

places Some business people tried to

use govt. for their own gain:◦ Bribing the govt.◦ Should have laws protecting their

businesses Some were successful in getting

laws passes

Wanted to control the railroads◦ Bribed lawmakers◦ Didn’t care if laws hurt

other RR When told by

someone that he was breaking the law his response was:

“What do I care about law?…Haven’t I got the Power?”◦ Many big business

leaders shared this philosophy

N.Y. city leader/Political Boss

Boss Tweed Controlled city govt. Controlled elections:

Gave gifts Jobs Favors

◦ Exchange for votes◦ Received kickback for his

service Cheated NYC out of $200

million (6 years)◦ Padded city bills/kept extra◦ Paid off police◦ Went to jail

Many Americans called for reform

Lawmakers decided to reform civil service

1870s-1880s:◦ Spoils system-govt. jobs

given to supporters 1870s Pres. Hayes spoke

out against spoils system:◦ Congress did not want to

change 1880s Pres. Garfield

◦ Many people kept asking for jobs in govt.

◦ 1881, he was shot and killed because he did not give his killer a job

VP Chester Arthur becomes president

1883:◦ Congress passed

the Civil Service Act◦ Had to take a test

for govt. jobs Showed if they had the

skills for the job

Worksheets #