What was one method political machines used to keep their power?

Political machines maintained their power primarily by offering government jobs to their followers. This practice, often referred to as patronage, involved rewarding supporters with employment in government positions. By doing so, political machines ensured loyalty among their base, as individuals who received jobs were likely to support the politicians responsible for their employment. This not only helped solidify the machine's influence but also created a network of individuals who relied on the machine for their livelihoods, thereby reinforcing their political power.

Creating new political parties would divert attention from the existing machine and disrupt its established control. Pursuing bipartisan policies could weaken the machine's core support by attempting to appeal to a broader range of voters, which could undermine their loyalty. Reducing government expenditures might lead to decreased resources available to provide jobs or rewards, directly impacting their ability to maintain the support of their followers. Therefore, offering government jobs was a strategic and effective way for political machines to secure and prolong their dominance in local or state politics.