The spoils system was prevalent during the administration of President James Garfield, where political supporters were rewarded with government positions. However, after Garfield was assassinated in 1881, his successor Chester A. Arthur worked to reform the civil service system and ultimately passed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, which established a merit-based system for government hiring and promotion.
shorter
President James Garfield practiced the spoils system, but his successor Chester A. Arthur reformed it by passing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883.
How did it affect them?
James Garfield's practice of the spoils system ultimately led to his assassination. Chester A. Arthur's reform efforts with the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act helped to professionalize the government and reduce corruption in the hiring process.
