In politicsa boss is a person who controls a unit of a political party[ clarification needed ] although they may not necessarily hold political office. Numerous officeholders in that unit are subordinate to the single boss in party affairs. Each party in the same ward or city may have its own boss; that is, the Republican boss of Ward 7 controls Republican politics, while the Democratic boss controls the Democratic party. Reformers sometimes allege that political bosses are likely guilty of corruption. Bosses may mke their power on the support of numerous voters. When the party wins, they typically control appointments in their how did city bosses make money, and have a voice at the higher levels. They do not necessarily hold public office themselves; most historical bosses did not, at least during the times of their greatest influence.