1. During the Gilded Age from 1870-1900, American politics was characterized by a stalemate between the two major political parties, the Republicans and Democrats, with each party appealing to different voting blocs. 2. The federal government took a very laissez-faire approach, limiting its role mainly to delivering mail, maintaining the military, collecting taxes, and conducting foreign policy. 3. Political corruption was rampant, with party bosses wielding influence and presidents doling out federal jobs to political supporters. However, civil service reforms in 1883 aimed to create a more impartial government bureaucracy.