How did the spoils system affect President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur

The spoils system, which involved the practice of awarding government positions to political supporters and allies, had a significant impact on President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur.

1. President Garfield: Garfield was elected as President in 1880 partly due to his opposition to the spoils system. He believed in merit-based appointments rather than political patronage. However, his assassination in 1881 by a disgruntled office-seeker who felt he was owed a government position highlighted the dangers and corruption associated with the spoils system.

2. President Arthur: After Garfield's assassination, Chester A. Arthur, who was initially a supporter of the spoils system, became President. However, he was deeply affected by Garfield's death and began advocating for civil service reform. He eventually signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, which established a merit-based system for federal employment and reduced the influence of political patronage.

Overall, the spoils system ultimately played a role in the assassination of President Garfield and led to significant reform efforts during Arthur's presidency. These reforms helped to professionalize the federal government and reduce corruption in the allocation of government positions.

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The spoils system, which rewarded political supporters with government positions, played a role in the assassination of President Garfield. His successor, Chester A. Arthur, championed civil service reform and signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883 to establish a merit-based system for federal employment, reducing corruption in government appointments.