Question

How did the spoils system affect President James Garfield and his successor Chester A Arthur?

Answer 1

The spoils system, which involved awarding government positions to supporters and political allies, had a significant impact on President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur.

President Garfield was a strong opponent of the spoils system and believed in appointing individuals based on merit rather than political connections. However, he was shot and killed by a disgruntled office-seeker who was frustrated with Garfield's reluctance to give him a federal job. This tragic event brought attention to the need for civil service reform and led to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883.

Chester A. Arthur, who succeeded Garfield as President, had previously been a strong supporter of the spoils system. However, after the assassination of Garfield and the passage of the Pendleton Act, Arthur became a champion of civil service reform. He worked to implement the new merit-based system and made significant efforts to professionalize the federal government.

In conclusion, the spoils system had a profound impact on President Garfield and his successor President Arthur. Garfield's assassination brought attention to the need for civil service reform, while Arthur's presidency saw significant changes in how government positions were filled. Ultimately, both presidents were shaped by their experiences with the spoils system and worked towards creating a more efficient and fair system of government appointments.