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The Spoils System in American Political History

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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Phrase 'to the victor belong the spoils' reflects the spoils system's practice of rewarding supporters with public office.

2

President associated with spoils system

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President Andrew Jackson, post-1828 election, widely linked to the spoils system's implementation in the U.S.

3

Act initiating merit-based federal employment

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Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 began the transition to hiring federal employees based on merit.

4

The ______ system's origins are not credited to ______ ______, but to the political customs of early America.

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spoils Andrew Jackson

5

During his presidency, ______ ______ appointed people who were loyal to the ______ Party.

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George Washington Federalist

6

The practice of patronage was also utilized by presidents ______ ______ and ______ ______.

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John Adams Thomas Jefferson

7

The spoils system became prominent in the ______ election, marking the beginning of the ______ era.

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1828 Jacksonian

8

______ ______'s administration is known for a significant overhaul of federal employees, a hallmark of the spoils system.

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Andrew Jackson

9

Assassin's motive for killing President Garfield

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Disgruntled office seeker upset with spoils system

10

Key feature of Pendleton Act

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Federal jobs awarded based on merit, not patronage

11

Impact of Pendleton Act by 20th century

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Majority federal positions filled via competitive exams, reducing spoils system influence

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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Pendleton

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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private

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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Hatch

15

The Pendleton Act significantly reduced ______ appointments, which was a common practice before its enactment.

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patronage

16

Political machine example

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Tammany Hall in NYC, used patronage power until mid-20th century.

17

Chicago patronage system end

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Ended with Shakman Decrees in 1970s-1980s.

18

Illinois bureaucracy reform timing

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Began reforming earlier than some states, before federal shift.

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The Spoils System in American Political History

The spoils system is a political practice where a victorious party gives public office positions to its supporters, friends, and relatives as a reward for their support, rather than hiring staff based on merit. This approach contrasts with the merit system, which emphasizes qualifications and performance. The spoils system became widespread in the United States and is often associated with President Andrew Jackson's administration after his 1828 election victory, drawing from the phrase "to the victor belong the spoils." However, the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 marked the beginning of a significant shift towards merit-based federal employment.
Historical scene in a nineteenth-century office with man sitting behind wooden desk, woman and man standing, archive cabinet and illuminated window.

The Origins and Evolution of the Spoils System

The spoils system was not initiated by Andrew Jackson, but has roots in the early political practices of the United States. Patronage was common during the administrations of early presidents, including George Washington, who appointed individuals aligned with the Federalist Party. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson also engaged in similar practices. The system gained prominence during the 1828 election, which saw the reemergence of a strong two-party system and the start of the Jacksonian era. Jackson's administration was notable for the extensive replacement of federal employees with his own supporters, which was seen as a defining moment for the spoils system.

Civil Service Reform and the Pendleton Civil Service Act

The assassination of President James A. Garfield by a disgruntled office seeker in 1881 highlighted the dangers of the spoils system and catalyzed the movement for civil service reform. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 established a bipartisan Civil Service Commission and mandated that federal jobs be awarded based on merit. Although the Act initially applied to a small fraction of government positions, it laid the groundwork for the expansion of the merit system, allowing presidents to classify more jobs as civil service positions. By the turn of the century, the majority of federal positions were filled through competitive exams, significantly diminishing the spoils system's role in federal employment.

The Lasting Effects of the Pendleton Act on American Governance

The Pendleton Act's influence extended beyond curtailing patronage appointments. It was a cornerstone in the creation of a professional civil service and the evolution of the modern bureaucratic state in America. The Act also altered the landscape of political campaign financing, as parties could no longer depend on patronage positions for campaign contributions, leading them to seek funds from private donors. The Hatch Act of 1939 further separated politics from civil service by prohibiting federal employees from engaging in certain political activities, reinforcing the nonpartisan nature of the civil service.

The Spoils System's Persistence in State and Local Governments

While the federal government moved towards a merit-based system, the spoils system persisted at the state and local levels for many years. Political machines like Tammany Hall in New York City wielded patronage power until the mid-20th century, and Chicago's city government operated under a patronage system until the Shakman Decrees of the 1970s and 1980s. Some states, such as Illinois, began to reform their bureaucracies earlier, but the transition away from the spoils system varied across the country, with some areas maintaining these practices longer than others.