The Gilded Age was marked by widespread political corruption, with numerous instances of bribery, fraud, and scandal. Political machines, such as Tammany Hall in New York City, wielded significant power and influence by controlling votes and dispensing favors. These machines operated on a system of patronage, where politicians would reward their supporters with government jobs and contracts, often regardless of qualifications. This system created a breeding ground for corruption and led to a lack of accountability among elected officials.

One notable example of political corruption during this era was the Whiskey Ring scandal. In the 1870s, a group of government officials conspired with whiskey distillers to defraud the government of millions of dollars in excise taxes. The scandal implicated high-ranking members of President Ulysses S. Grant's administration and highlighted the extent of corruption within the federal government.

Despite the prevalence of corruption, the Gilded Age also witnessed the emergence of various reform movements. The Populist movement, for instance, sought to address the political and economic inequalities of the time. The Populists advocated for the regulation of monopolies, the implementation of an income tax, and the expansion of democracy through direct election of senators and the use of initiatives and referendums. Additionally, they called for greater government intervention in the economy to protect the interests of farmers and workers.

Another significant reform movement of the Gilded Age was the women's suffrage movement. Led by figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, suffragettes fought for women's right to vote. They argued that political enfranchisement was necessary to secure gender equality and ensure that women had a voice in shaping public policy. Although significant progress was made during this period, it would take several more decades before women achieved full suffrage in the United States.

The Gilded Age also set the stage for the Progressive Era, which aimed to address the social and economic problems resulting from rapid industrialization. Progressives sought to enact reforms such as workplace safety regulations, child labor laws, and antitrust measures to curb the power of monopolistic corporations. The era saw the rise of prominent reformers like Jane Addams, whose Hull House in Chicago provided support and resources to impoverished immigrants, and Upton Sinclair, whose novel 'The Jungle' exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.

These reform movements, while often facing significant opposition, played a crucial role in shaping American politics and society. They brought attention to the issues of political corruption and social inequality, paving the way for significant changes in the early 20th century.