Pendleton Civil Service Act Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Define the Spoils System (Patronage).

Political friends and supporters were rewarded with government positions.

What President is credited for first using the spoils system?

Andrew Jackson

What event prompted the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Act?

There were too many employees working for the government.

Define the Merit Based Hiring System.

The process of promoting and hiring government employees based on their ability to perform a job, rather than on their political connections. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of creating the Civil Service Commission?

To enforce the Pendleton Civil Service Act. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the Pendleton Civil Service Act attempted to reduce the amount of corruption in government.

Made them take exams so only people that could perform their job properly were hired. Signup and view all the answers

The spoils system is the practice of giving government jobs to _____ and strong supporters.

friends Signup and view all the answers

What did the Civil Service Reform create?

The United States Service Commission. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spoils System (Patronage)

A system where political allies and supporters receive government jobs.
Associated with Andrew Jackson, who is credited with its initial implementation.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

Passed due to excessive government employees working under the spoils system.
Aimed to reduce political corruption within government hiring practices.

Merit Based Hiring System

Promotes and hires government employees based on their job performance abilities.
Prioritizes qualifications over political connections for employment.

Civil Service Commission

Created to oversee the enforcement of the Pendleton Civil Service Act.
Ensures adherence to merit-based hiring practices in government positions.

Reduction of Corruption

Implemented testing to assess candidates’ qualifications.
Aims to ensure that only capable individuals are hired for government roles.

Comparison of Spoils System and Civil Service Reform

Spoils System favored hiring based on personal relationships and political loyalty, disregarding qualifications.
Civil Service Reform established a merit system, focusing on capability and expertise for hiring federal employees.

Description

Test your knowledge of the Pendleton Civil Service Act and its historical context with these flashcards. Learn key terms like the spoils system and significant events that led to reforms in government employment practices.