Gilded Age Politics
The Gilded Age was an era of rapid economic growth.
Political Machines
A political machine is a political organization where an authoritative boss or small group commands the support of a corps of supporters and businesses (usually campaign workers), who receive rewards for their efforts.
Graft
A form of political corruption, is the unscrupulous use of a politician's authority for personal gain.
Patronage
The power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges.
Stalwarts
A member of a fraction of the Republican party that opposed the Civil Service Reform policies.
Civil Service Reform
Civil service reform refers to movements for the improvement of the civil service in methods of appointment, rules of conduct, etc. Relevant articles are: On historical movements: spoils system and merit system.