Which two entities are identified as sources of private power that influence politics?

Big Business and Political Machines are recognized as significant sources of private power that influence politics due to their ability to shape policies, mobilize resources, and galvanize support on various issues.

Big businesses often hold substantial economic clout and can impact legislation through lobbying efforts, campaign contributions, and relationships with policymakers. Their financial power allows them to advocate for policies that align with their interests, thereby playing a pivotal role in political decision-making.

Political machines, historically prominent in urban politics, exert power through organized group loyalty and a network of patronage. These organizations often control votes and resources at the grassroots level, influencing elections and policy outcomes significantly. Their ability to mobilize voters and shape local governance makes them a potent force in the political landscape.

The other options, while they may involve some level of political influence, do not encapsulate the private power dynamic as effectively as Big Business and Political Machines. For instance, interest groups and political parties (from the first choice) operate within the political system but don't wield the same level of financial influence or organizational capacity that characterizes big businesses or political machines. Nonprofits and government agencies typically operate for public service and may rely on funding from the government rather than exerting independent private power. Trade unions and civic organizations have