In the late nineteenth century, urban political bosses

In the late nineteenth century, urban political bosses gave out the patronages and won votes for political organization.

Explanation:

Urban political bosses gave out the patronages and won votes for political organization significantly in the late of 19th century. They did provide for the materialistic assistance to poor and enrich themselves as well with corruption and graft. They did all these in the late 19th century except doing reduction in city service costs.

The rapid development was sought during those times and was termed as political machines for the urban America attracted immigration to the soil of America. Political machine was of Tammany Hall with boss William M. Tweed, who was sent to jail.

that would be the steamboat because none of the other things are forms of transportation

it is a : ) always outside of government control