Question

Garfield's assassination led to increased calls for Congress to reform which aspect of Gilded Age politics?

A.
the primary election system employed by the two major political parties

B.
the procedure for presidential succession in cases of assassination

C.
the spoils system of appointing officials in the federal government

D.
the appointment of United States Senators by state legislatures

Answer 1

Garfield's assassination led to increased calls for Congress to reform **C. the spoils system of appointing officials in the federal government**. This tragedy highlighted the dangers of the patronage system, where government jobs were awarded based on political connections rather than qualifications, ultimately leading to the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.