The spoils system, which involved the practice of appointing loyal party members to government positions regardless of their qualifications, had a significant impact on both President James Garfield and his successor, Chester A. Arthur. Here are four key points that describe this influence:
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Garfield's Assassination: President Garfield was assassinated in July 1881, just a few months into his term. The assassin, Charles Guiteau, was a disappointed office seeker who believed he deserved a governmental position due to his support for Garfield's campaign. The assassination highlighted the dangers and consequences of the spoils system, as it created an environment where political loyalty was prioritized over competence and led to violent outcomes.
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Reform Advocacy: Garfield was initially an advocate for civil service reform, recognizing the inefficiencies and corruption that came with the spoils system. However, his assassination cut short his efforts. This tragedy catalyzed a broader movement for reform in government appointments, which became a key issue in American politics during the period.
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Arthur's Transformation: Chester A. Arthur, who succeeded Garfield, had previously been a supporter of the spoils system and had benefited from it during his career. However, following Garfield's assassination, Arthur underwent a significant political transformation and became a proponent of civil service reform. His administration worked to implement reforms that aimed to curb the abuses of the spoils system, culminating in the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.
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Legacy of the Pendleton Act: The Pendleton Act established a merit-based system for federal employment, which was a direct response to the issues raised by the spoils system. Arthur's support for this legislation marked a turning point in U.S. political practices, promoting the idea that government positions should be filled based on ability and qualifications rather than political connections.
In summary, the spoils system shaped Garfield's presidency through its role in his assassination and the urgency for reform it generated, while it led to Arthur's evolution into a reformer, ultimately resulting in significant changes to how public service appointments were handled in the United States.