Discuss the evolution of the federal bureaucracy from the spoils system through the creation of the civil service system
What will be an ideal response?
Answer:
An ideal response will:
1. Explain that the spoils system was popularized by Andrew Jackson and involved hiring and firing of government employees on the basis of loyalty to the party in power.
2. Discuss problems associated with the spoils system, including high turnover in agency personnel and the fact that the bureaucrats hired under the spoils system often lacked expertise.
3. Identify the catalyst for abolishing the spoils system, which was the assassination of James Garfield in 1881 by a disgruntled office seeker.
4. Note that the Pendleton Act of 1883 created a federal commission to oversee hiring on the basis of merit rather than partisanship.
5. Explain that the elimination of the spoils system was gradual rather than immediate.
You might also like to view...
What is a defining characteristic of a progressive tax system?
a. The tax rate decreases as income increases. b. A higher burden is placed on the wealthy. c. The funds are typically used only during emergencies. d. The sales tax does not apply to all purchases.
Instead of opposing a dictatorship in public, John has decided to support it. This is an example of ______.
A. collective action B. the free-rider problem C. nonrivalry D. preference falsification
Political differences between the South and the rest of the country today are often rooted in attitudes about
A) the economy.
B) racial politics and social issues.
C) defence spending.
D) foreign policy.
E) the unemployment.
Of the following, which form of participation are Americans most likely to engage in?
a. volunteering with a campaign b. protesting— c. writing letters to the editor d. contacting government officials