Timeline
1828: Andrew Jackson begins the modern spoils system.
Andrew Jackson is elected as the 7th President of the United States, marking the beginning of the modern spoils system. Jackson initiated the practice of appointing loyal supporters to government positions, regardless of their qualifications, in exchange for political support.
1832: Term "spoils system" coined by William L. Marcy.
The term "spoils system" is coined by Senator William L. Marcy of New York, who famously declared, "to the victor belong the spoils."
1841: John Tyler continues Jackson's policies.
The assassination of President William Henry Harrison leads to the inauguration of Vice President John Tyler, who continues Jackson's spoils system policies.
1865: Civil War's end prompts reform discussions.
The Civil War ends, and with it, there's a renewed emphasis on reforming government practices, including the spoils system, which had become synonymous with corruption and inefficiency.
1871: Grant administration scandals highlight corruption.
President Ulysses S. Grant faces scandals within his administration, including the notorious Whiskey Ring scandal, highlighting the corruption fostered by the spoils system.
1881: Garfield's assassination sparks outcry.
The assassination of President James A. Garfield by a disgruntled office seeker, Charles J. Guiteau, spurs public outcry against the spoils system and calls for civil service reform.
1883: Pendleton Act establishes Civil Service Commission.
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act is passed by Congress, establishing the United States Civil Service Commission to oversee the merit-based appointment of government employees based on competitive exams, rather than political patronage.
1939: Hatch Act limits federal employee political activities.
The Hatch Act is passed, further limiting political activities of federal employees and strengthening the merit-based civil service system.
1978: Civil Service Reform Act modernizes system.
The Civil Service Reform Act is passed, modernizing the civil service system and further reducing the influence of the spoils system in federal hiring and employment practices.
21st Century: Some nepotism persists in local governments.
While the spoils system has largely been eradicated from federal hiring practices, instances of political patronage and nepotism still persist in some local and state governments, though to a much lesser extent than in the 19th century.
