The civil-service system arose in the late 19th century as a response to:
A. the problems created by a small bureaucracy.
B. the problem of states having too much public responsibility.
C. the challenge of managing a growing rural economy.
D. the corruption and abuses of the spoils system.
D?
Yes, D.
Yes, D.
Yes, the civil-service system arose in the late 19th century as a response to the corruption and abuses of the spoils system. To arrive at this answer, you can analyze the options given and eliminate incorrect ones.
Option A suggests that the civil-service system arose because of problems created by a small bureaucracy. However, this is unlikely as a small bureaucracy would not lead to the need for a formalized system like civil service. So, we can eliminate option A.
Option B states that the civil-service system arose because of the problem of states having too much public responsibility. However, this is not connected to the establishment of the civil-service system, so we can eliminate option B.
Option C suggests that the civil-service system arose as a response to the challenge of managing a growing rural economy. While economic factors can sometimes influence administrative changes, there is no direct connection between a growing rural economy and the establishment of the civil-service system. Therefore, we can eliminate option C.
Option D states that the civil-service system arose as a response to the corruption and abuses of the spoils system. This is the correct answer because the spoils system, which awarded government positions based on political patronage, was perceived as corrupt and unfair. The civil-service system was developed as a way to professionalize the bureaucracy and base hiring and promotions on merit rather than political connections.
Therefore, from the given options, the correct answer is option D – the corruption and abuses of the spoils system led to the establishment of the civil-service system.