he purpose of this essay is to have you evaluate the positives and negatives of the Tammany Hall political machine described in the book. Then, you will relate what you have learned to Texas politicians today. Preparation 1. In your Brands text, read chapter section 19.1.6, Urban Political Machines. This will give you an overview of political machines like Tammany Hall. 2. Read the Annotation portion of The Pendleton Act document. This was a key law that implemented civil service reform, a topic discussed often in Plunkitt. 3. In your Brands text, read chapter section 23.2.1, Interest Groups and the Decline of Popular Politics. This explains direct primary reform, another topic discussed in Plunkitt. 4. Read Plunkitt of Tammany Hall. As you read, make a list of the benefits of political machines, according to Plunkitt. Instructions This is a two-part essay. In Part I, discuss what you think were Plunkitts four best arguments for why political machines were a positive good for the nation. Describe each argument in your own words and in separate paragraphs. At the end of each of these paragraphs, indicate the page numbers where you found the argument in the book via an in-text citation. (See essay template below.) If you do not provide citations, you will receive no credit for the assignment. After each Plunkitt argument paragraph, write a rebuttal paragraph describing potential flaws in his argument. Thus, Part I will consist of paragraphs alternating between arguments for political machines and arguments against them. (Note: I am not asking you to discuss whether you agree with Plunkitt or not. You are simply to describe his arguments and then play devils advocate, discussing an opposing view.) For Part II, pick one of the examples below of Texas politicians convicted of corruption. Write a paragraph in which you discuss: What would George Washington Plunkitt think about this case? Would he support the guilty verdict? Why/why not? Do you feel the politician should have been penalized, or was he/she simply accepting reasonable compensation for their public service? Why? Example #1 Example #2 The parameters for this essay are as follows: Length (body of essay): 800-1000 words Sources: Use only the sources listed under Preparation the Part II instructions above. Usage of other sources will result in severe grade reductions. Format:MLA, using in-text citations and including a works cited page. Here is a link explaining MLA guidelines. Use direct quotes sparingly; I am much more interested in YOUR explanation rather than a collection of direct quotes daisy-chained together. You should haShow more
