The U.S. Civil Service System has transitioned from a patronage-based spoils system to a merit-based employment structure. Key reforms include the Pendleton Act of 1883 and the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, which established the Civil Service Commission and later the OPM, MSPB, and FLRA. Today's civil service offers competitive salaries, benefits, and job security, attracting individuals dedicated to public service.
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The practice of distributing government positions as rewards for political support
Appointments based on political connections
Government positions were given to individuals with political ties rather than based on merit
Flourished during Andrew Jackson's presidency
The spoils system was most prevalent during the time when Andrew Jackson was president
The spoils system led to problems such as inefficiency and corruption in government positions
The assassination of President James A. Garfield in 1881 sparked public demand for reform of the spoils system
Establishment of Civil Service Commission
The Pendleton Act created the Civil Service Commission to oversee the administration of civil service laws
Introduction of competitive examination system
The Pendleton Act implemented a competitive examination system for federal employment, shifting from patronage to a merit-based system
The Civil Service Commission's authority grew over time to include a majority of government positions
Creation of new agencies
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 established the Office of Personnel Management, Merit Systems Protection Board, and Federal Labor Relations Authority
Objectives
The reform aimed to improve government efficiency while maintaining the merit-based principles of the Pendleton Act
Composition
The U.S. civil service is made up of over two million civilian employees, classified into different service categories
Benefits and compensation
Federal employees receive competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and job security, with compensation determined by the General Schedule pay system
The civil service hiring process is rigorous, involving job announcements, qualification assessments, and competitive examinations
00
Initially, U.S. government jobs were given as rewards for ______ support, a method termed the ______ system.
political
spoils
01
During ______'s presidency, the practice of awarding jobs based on ______ rather than ability was prevalent.
Andrew Jackson
political connections
02
Catalyst for Civil Service Reform
Assassination of President Garfield by a disgruntled office seeker in 1881.
