The Pendleton Civil Service Act, passed in 1883, established a merit-based system for selecting government officials and awarding federal jobs. It mandated that some government positions be filled through competitive written examinations rather than political patronage, also known as the spoils system. This system had previously allowed incoming presidents to appoint their supporters and allies to various government roles, regardless of their qualifications. The Act created the Civil Service Commission to oversee and enforce these provisions.
This legislation marked a significant turning point in United States political history. Its primary benefit was to reduce corruption and inefficiency within the federal government. By requiring qualifications and testing, the Act aimed to ensure that competent individuals held government positions, leading to better governance. It also lessened the influence of political machines and patronage networks, promoting a more professional and neutral civil service. The assassination of President James Garfield by a disgruntled office seeker, who believed he was owed a government job as a reward for his political support, provided the impetus for passage of the Act, highlighting the dangers of the spoils system.
