Political machines in the United States [edit]. In the late 19th century, large cities in the United Statesâ Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, New York City, Philadelphia, St. Louis âwere accused of using political machines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. political machine is a party organization that recruits its members by the use of tangible incentivesâmoney, political jobsâand that is characterized by a high degree of leadership control over member activity.