Which of the following best describes the relationship between police and politics during the political era?

• A. Strict separation from politics
• B. Close ties and dependence on political leaders
• C. Formal control by civil service
• D. Random appointment to positions

Answer: (B)

During the political era, urban police departments operated as extensions of city politics. Police power was often used to enforce the will of political bosses, and promotions, hires, and dismissals depended on loyalty to those leaders. This created a close, dependent relationship where police supported the political machine in exchange for funding, protection, and position within the department.

That’s why the best description is that the police had close ties and dependence on political leaders. The other ideas don’t fit this period: a strict separation would imply independence that wasn’t present; civil service control would imply merit-based, insulated appointments rather than machine patronage; and random appointments would ignore the influence of political patrons on who got jobs.