Question

How did the spoils system affect President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur? (4 points)



PUT IT IN A SIX SENTENCE PARAGRAPH

Answer 1

The spoils system, which awarded government jobs to political supporters, significantly impacted both President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur. Garfield, who initially opposed the system, found himself caught in a power struggle between reformers and stalwarts within his party, which ultimately contributed to his assassination by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. Guiteau believed he deserved a government position due to his support for Garfield's campaign. Garfield's death in 1881 prompted Arthur, who had been a supporter of the spoils system, to reevaluate his stance on the issue. As president, Arthur surprisingly embraced reform and championed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, which aimed to curb patronage and introduce merit-based hiring in the federal government. Thus, the spoils system not only shaped Garfield's presidency through conflict and tragedy but also led to a significant shift in Arthur’s policies toward civil service reform.