Spoils System

Definition

The Spoils System is a practice in which political leaders give government jobs and favors to their supporters, often without regard for their qualifications. This system became prominent in the early 19th century and was closely associated with the expansion of democracy, as it allowed for greater participation of ordinary citizens in government roles, but it also raised concerns about corruption and inefficiency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Spoils System was popularized by President Andrew Jackson, who believed in rewarding his supporters with government jobs as a way to promote democratic participation.
2. Critics argued that the Spoils System led to the appointment of unqualified individuals to important positions, contributing to governmental inefficiency and corruption.
3. The practice was a significant shift from the previous system of appointing officials based on merit and qualifications, highlighting the tension between democracy and effective governance.
4. The Spoils System faced increasing criticism in the late 19th century, leading to calls for reform and eventually contributing to the establishment of civil service exams.
5. The Pendleton Act of 1883 marked a turning point in American politics by establishing a merit-based system for federal employment, aimed at reducing the influence of the Spoils System.

Review Questions

• How did the Spoils System reflect the principles of expanding democracy during the early 19th century?
  • The Spoils System reflected expanding democracy by promoting the idea that ordinary citizens could participate in government through political appointments. By rewarding supporters with government jobs, leaders like Andrew Jackson aimed to increase public involvement in politics. This practice aligned with the belief that more individuals should have a stake in governance, moving away from elitist practices that dominated earlier political systems.
• Evaluate the criticisms of the Spoils System and its impact on the effectiveness of government during its prominence.
  • Critics of the Spoils System argued that it resulted in widespread corruption and inefficiency within government institutions. Appointing individuals based on loyalty rather than qualifications often led to unqualified officials occupying crucial positions, hindering effective governance. This environment not only diminished public trust in government but also spurred reform movements aimed at implementing merit-based systems, culminating in significant changes like the Pendleton Act.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Spoils System on American political practices and civil service reform.
  • The long-term implications of the Spoils System were significant in shaping American political practices and leading to civil service reform. While it initially encouraged greater participation from citizens in government, its flaws exposed weaknesses in appointing qualified individuals. The growing discontent with this system ultimately led to reforms like the Pendleton Act, which established a merit-based approach to government employment. This shift helped lay the groundwork for modern civil service systems, emphasizing qualifications over political connections and improving governmental efficiency.

Related terms

Meritocracy: A system of governance where individuals are selected for positions based on their abilities and qualifications rather than political connections or loyalty.

Political Patronage: The support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another, often in return for political loyalty or support.

Jacksonian Democracy:

A political movement during the 1820s and 1830s that expanded suffrage to include more white male citizens and emphasized the importance of the common man in government.