How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
It now became perfectly clear […] it was not a case of individuals committing perjury, but the perjury was the result of a gigantic conspiracy. (6.46)
As an outsider, Agent William Frank is shocked by the way that things work in Atlantic City. This is one of those rare instances where there actually is a gigantic conspiracy happening—Nucky has literally every single person in the local government under is thumb.
Quote #8
City employees who had signed the loyalty oath were expected to show their paper ballots […] to the poll workers. The intimidation worked. (7.62)
When all else fails, some good old-fashioned bullying will get the job done. This passage shows that even Nucky's inner circle is not exempt from being manipulated, their livelihoods threatened by the same man who signs off on their paychecks.
Quote #9
Corruption had been the norm in Atlantic City's government for so long that bribery, graft, and payroll padding were standard practices of doing municipal business. (8.44)
At a certain point, all of this manipulation becomes just another part of doing business. Lest we judge too much, we have to remember how much icky stuff still happens in modern corporations and governments. We might not be paying as much attention—or getting as much out of the deal—as the residents of Atlantic City, but corruption is simply a part of life.