A "political machine" refers to an organized group of individuals or political parties that seeks to control political power through various means such as patronage, campaigning, and mobilizing voters. These machines often rely on a network of loyalty and votes in exchange for favors or services. Commonly found in urban settings, political machines can operate through corruption or more legitimate practices. While they can ensure a stable base of support, they may also lead to undemocratic practices and limit genuine political competition as power becomes concentrated among a few actors.