The spoils system in American political history refers to the practice of rewarding supporters with public office positions. Originating before Andrew Jackson's era, it became prominent during his presidency. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 initiated a shift towards merit-based federal employment, reducing patronage and leading to a professional civil service. This act also impacted political campaign financing and the nonpartisan nature of civil service, although the spoils system persisted at state and local levels into the mid-20th century.
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1
Origin of 'spoils system' phrase
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2
President associated with spoils system
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3
Act initiating merit-based federal employment
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4
The ______ system's origins are not credited to ______ ______, but to the political customs of early America.
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5
During his presidency, ______ ______ appointed people who were loyal to the ______ Party.
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6
The practice of patronage was also utilized by presidents ______ ______ and ______ ______.
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7
The spoils system became prominent in the ______ election, marking the beginning of the ______ era.
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8
______ ______'s administration is known for a significant overhaul of federal employees, a hallmark of the spoils system.
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9
Assassin's motive for killing President Garfield
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10
Key feature of Pendleton Act
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11
Impact of Pendleton Act by 20th century
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12
The ______ Act was pivotal in developing a professional civil service and shaping the modern bureaucratic state in the U.S.
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13
Due to the Pendleton Act, political parties had to find funding from ______ donors, as they could no longer rely on patronage jobs for campaign contributions.
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14
The ______ Act of 1939 reinforced the nonpartisan nature of the civil service by banning federal employees from certain political activities.
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15
The Pendleton Act significantly reduced ______ appointments, which was a common practice before its enactment.
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16
Political machine example
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17
Chicago patronage system end
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18
Illinois bureaucracy reform timing
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History
The Development of the Merit-Based Civil Service in the United States
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The Presidency of Andrew Jackson and the Second Party System
View documentCivic Education
The Function and Development of Politicians
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