How did bosses and political machines control city governments?

Bosses and political machines controlled the city governments using intimidation. Bribery and corruption were used and Assassinations happened. labor unions formed to control the local governments.

Explanation:

During the late 1800s, city bosses commonly assumed control over city governments. They did not gain power legally, and the bosses were not elected to office. They used blackmail and bribery to convince legal city officials to grant favors to and to follow the wishes of the city bosses.

Political machine, in U. S. politics is a party organization, headed by a single boss or a small autocratic group, that commands enough votes to maintain political and administrative control of a city, county, or state. Examples of such Political machine is Tammy Hall in New York city which provided housing facility to the immigrants and gained their loyal support.