Pendleton Act
Definition
The Pendleton Act is a federal law passed in 1883 which mandated that positions within the federal government should be awarded on the basis of merit instead of political affiliation.
Analogy
Imagine if your school's basketball team was chosen not based on skill but because players were friends with the coach. That wouldn't be fair right? The Pendleton Act is like making sure only those who can shoot hoops get onto the team - it ensures jobs go to those most qualified rather than those with connections.
Related terms
Civil Service System: A system or method of appointing government employees on the basis of competitive examinations, rather than ties to politicians or political affiliation.
Spoils System: A practice where a political party gives government civil service jobs to its supporters as reward for working toward victory.
Merit System: A system used in public employment for selecting and promoting employees based on their qualifications and performance.
"Pendleton Act" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (1)
- How do historical changes in the Pendleton Act relate to current civil service reform debates?
Resources
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