Chapter IV Summary and Analysis

Chicago has many precincts with each having a captain and assistants. They all are entitled to state jobs. Above the precinct captain is the ward committeeman, also know as "the clout", "our beloved leader." Vito Marzullo, a ward boss on the South Side, is known for delivering votes and selecting judges. He is given four hundred patronage jobs to fill. The amount of patronage jobs meted out to ward bosses is based on voter turnout. In earlier times, precinct captains were more powerful. To the fearful immigrants, he was their God. He helped them fill out papers and figure out their taxes and licenses. He helped them, but used fear as well to get their votes: "If you don't vote, you might lose your public housing." In the affluent areas, he provided errand services and made sure the garbage...