This type of politics is characterized by a city government ran by local officials through personal leadership and very few laws (O’Connor 101). According to Jack this means “Nothing on the books, just one man passing out the jobs and Christmas baskets to the kiddies (O’Connor 101). This kind of “old-hat paternalism” is indicated by Skeffington’s system of exchanging favors or financial aid for political support and his desire and ability to turn anything, even a wake, into a political rally. Skeffington discusses his political tactics with his nephew