how did the spoils system affect president james garfield and has successor chester a. arthur
The spoils system, which involved appointing individuals to government positions based on political loyalty rather than qualifications, had significant impacts on both President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur.
For James Garfield:
1. Assassination: The spoils system played a significant role in the assassination of President Garfield. Charles J. Guiteau, an individual seeking a government job, believed he deserved a position and felt personally slighted when his efforts were not rewarded. As a result, Guiteau assassinated Garfield in July 1881, blaming the spoils system for his frustrations.
For Chester A. Arthur:
1. Reform: The assassination of Garfield brought attention to the flaws of the spoils system. Chester A. Arthur, who was Garfield's Vice President and succeeded him after the assassination, was determined to address these concerns. Arthur advocated for civil service reform and enacted the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, which began transitioning the spoils system towards a merit-based system of appointing officials.
2. End of the Spoils System: Arthur's decision to push for civil service reform marked a significant shift away from the spoils system. The Pendleton Act established the Civil Service Commission and mandated that positions in the federal government be filled based on merit and qualifications, rather than rewarding political supporters. This reform led to a reduction in corruption and improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the government.
In summary, the spoils system tragically contributed to James Garfield's assassination. However, it also motivated Chester A. Arthur to champion civil service reform, ultimately leading to the end of the spoils system and the establishment of a more merit-based system of hiring in the government.