<P> The term "political machine" dates back to the 20th century in the United States, where such organizations have existed in some municipalities and states since the 18th century . Similar machines have been described in Latin America, where the system has been called clientelism or political clientelism (after the similar Clientela relationship in the Roman Republic), especially in rural areas, and also in some African states and other emerging democracies, like postcommunist Eastern European countries . Japan's Liberal Democratic Party is often cited as another political machine, maintaining power in suburban and rural areas through its control of farm bureaus and road construction agencies . In Japan, the word jiban (literally "base" or "foundation") is the word used for political machines . </P> <P> The Encyclopædia Britannica defines "political machine" as, "in U.S. politics, a party organization, headed by a single boss or small autocratic group, that commands enough votes to maintain political and administrative control of a city, county, or state". William Safire, in his Safire's Political Dictionary, defines "machine politics" as "the election of officials and the passage of legislation through the power of an organization created for political action". </P> <P> Hierarchy and discipline are hallmarks of political machines . "It generally means strict organization", according to Safire . Quoting Edward Flynn, a Bronx County Democratic leader who ran the borough from 1922 until his death in 1953, he wrote "(...) the so - called' independent' voter is foolish to assume that a political machine is run solely on good will, or patronage . For it is not only a machine; it is an army . And in any organization as in any army, there must be discipline ." </P> <P> Political patronage, while often associated with political machines, is not essential to the definition for either Safire or Britannica . </P>

Historically what type of party system has the united states had