political machine
[/pəˈlɪtɪkəl məˈʃiːn/]
nounpl: political machines
máquina política
1. A political organization that controls a political party in a city or region and uses the resources of local government to maintain its power
The political machine in Chicago was famous for its corruption and control over city affairs.
A máquina política de Chicago era famosa por sua corrupção e controle sobre os assuntos da cidade.
2. A system of political control based on patronage, bribery, and the distribution of government jobs and favors to supporters
The political machine rewarded loyal voters with jobs and contracts.
A máquina política recompensava os eleitores leais com empregos e contratos.
This term carries strong negative connotations historically, particularly in American political discourse referencing 20th-century urban politics (Chicago, New York, Philadelphia). It represents a system of organized political corruption based on patronage networks. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'máquina política' is similarly used pejoratively to describe entrenched political systems that perpetuate corruption and favor distribution. The concept remains relevant in contemporary discussions of political reform in both countries.
NYC Slang
the machine / the organization
Related Idioms & Phrases
grease the political machine
lubricate the political machine
cog in the political machine
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