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Question
How did the spoils system affect President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur?
(4 points)
The spoils system, which involved giving government positions to loyal supporters, affected President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur in the following ways:
1. President Garfield's assassination by a disappointed office-seeker who believed he was owed a political appointment through the spoils system highlighted the dangers and corruption associated with the practice.
2. Garfield's death led to Chester A. Arthur becoming president, as he was the Vice President at the time.
3. As President, Arthur implemented civil service reform, moving away from the spoils system towards a merit-based system for government appointments.
4. Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which established a civil service commission and mandated competitive exams for certain government positions, in an effort to reduce corruption and promote efficiency in government.