how did the spoils system affect president james garfield and his successor chester a aurthur? is it because james and chester were of opposite parties? ( and no thank you mr. sue i dont need you to say "look at similar answers" )
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Still hasent been answered is and 2023 not 2019 anymore.
The spoils system refers to the practice of rewarding political supporters with government positions, contracts, and other benefits after winning an election. It was commonly employed in the 19th century in the United States. The spoils system had an impact on President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur, but it was not solely due to their party differences.
James Garfield, a Republican, became president in 1881. One of his primary objectives was to reform the spoils system, as he believed it led to corruption and inefficiency in government. Unfortunately, his efforts were cut short when he was assassinated just a few months into his presidency.
Following Garfield's assassination, his Vice President Chester A. Arthur, also a Republican, assumed the presidency. Surprisingly, Arthur, who had previously been a staunch supporter of the spoils system, became an advocate for civil service reform. He recognized the need to de-politicize government positions and introduced legislation to reform the system.
Arthur's change of heart can be attributed to a few factors. Firstly, the assassination of Garfield highlighted the dangers and drawbacks of the spoils system. Secondly, Arthur faced pressure from civil service reform advocates, who saw an opportunity for change with his presidency. Lastly, Arthur's personal ambitions and desire to prove himself as a capable leader may have motivated his shift in stance.
It is important to note that while Garfield and Arthur were from the same political party, their views on the spoils system differed significantly. Garfield sought to reform it, while Arthur eventually embraced reform after initially supporting the spoils system.
To get a more detailed understanding of their positions and the effects of the spoils system, you can consult primary sources like their speeches, writings, and official documents related to civil service reform. Additionally, researching scholarly articles, books, and historical analyses can provide further insight into this topic.