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

Answer 1

1. President James Garfield was a victim of the spoils system, as he was assassinated by a disgruntled office seeker who believed he was entitled to a government position due to his political support.

2. The assassination of President Garfield led to Chester A. Arthur becoming President, as he was Garfield's Vice President. Arthur distanced himself from the spoils system and worked towards civil service reform in response to Garfield's death.

3. Arthur's presidency was marked by his support for the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which established a merit-based system for filling federal government positions and limited the spoils system.

4. Overall, the spoils system played a significant role in both Garfield and Arthur's presidencies, with Garfield's assassination highlighting the dangers of political patronage and leading to Arthur's efforts to reform the system.