Question

While big city political bosses and their machines were often criticized, they proved necessary and effective in the new urban environment because
a. they were better able to leverage grant money
b. they consistently upheld ethical standards.
c. they were closely allied to other urban institutions like the church
d. they were most effective in serving urban immigrants' needs than weak state or local governments
e. their support for the Democratic party helped to balance small-town Republic power.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: d. they were most effective in serving urban immigrants' needs than weak state or local governments

Big City political bosses served as surrogate governments for new immigrants who were being failed by state and local governments that didn't want them in the country to begin with.