Machine politics are not as common today as they were in the early and mid 20th Century - or at least they've morphed considerably - but they are fascinating ways to understand how politics and government in fact work.
Studying the relationships that built these machines helps us understand how different groups work with - and sometimes against - each other in order to establish and maintain - and maybe change - certain policies. They also help us understand why and how certain interests seem to inevitably get served more than others.
While machine politics existed in some form throughout Texas (never quite as much as in other areas of the country), it was especially common in the southern counties along the Mexican border. Often these were supported by moneyed interest in the area that were able to get a loyal ally elected county judge, who was then able to control much of what happened politically within that county.
This book provides an in-depth look at one of these "bosses," Manuel Bravo, who controlled Zapata County for sometime in the mid 20th Century. The story is built up from personal papers found after his death, which says something about how quietly these networks operated.
After reading this hopefully you'll have a greater appreciation for how politics is - in many ways - all about the relationships that are developed around groups of people. You might wish to consider that idea as you develop your topic.
For relevant blog posts, click on these:
- counties.
- county government.
- oligarchy.
- party bosses.
- party machines.
- revolving door.
