ID: Spoils System
When: Early 1800s (specifically during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, 1829-1837)
Who:
- Andrew Jackson: President who popularized the practice and made it a significant political strategy.
- Political Supporters: Often benefited from the system, being rewarded with government jobs.
- Civil Servants: The existing employees who could be replaced under the system.
What:
The Spoils System was a practice where victorious political parties would reward their supporters with government jobs. This practice often involved replacing existing government employees with loyal party members, regardless of their qualifications.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Increased Political Patronage: The system significantly increased the power of political parties and contributed to the growth of Political Machines.
- Reduced Government Efficiency: Replacing qualified employees with unqualified party loyalists often decreased government efficiency and effectiveness.
- Corruption and Scandal: The Spoils System created opportunities for corruption and scandal as positions were often granted based on loyalty rather than merit.
- Civil Service Reform: The system’s negative consequences eventually led to calls for reform, culminating in the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 which established a merit-based system for hiring government employees.