Andrew Jackson's Spoils System

Definition

Andrew Jackson's Spoils System refers to the practice of appointing loyal political supporters to government positions as a reward for their support during an election. This approach marked a significant shift in federal employment practices, emphasizing loyalty over qualifications and effectively changing the nature of political patronage in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Spoils System became prominent after Jackson's election in 1828 and led to the dismissal of many incumbent officeholders in favor of his supporters.
2. Jackson defended the Spoils System as a way to democratize government and reduce corruption by allowing ordinary citizens to participate in politics.
3. This system contributed to increased political participation among average citizens but also led to inefficiency and a lack of experienced officials in government positions.
4. The use of the Spoils System led to growing calls for civil service reform, eventually resulting in the Pendleton Act of 1883, which established merit-based hiring practices for federal jobs.
5. The Spoils System exemplified the broader theme of Jacksonian Democracy, which emphasized greater voter participation and a shift towards populism in American politics.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Jackson's Spoils System reflect the values of Jacksonian Democracy?
  • Andrew Jackson's Spoils System mirrored the principles of Jacksonian Democracy by promoting greater political participation among average citizens. By appointing loyal supporters to government positions, Jackson aimed to dismantle the elitism of previous administrations and empower more people to engage in politics. However, while it encouraged involvement, it also raised concerns about inefficiency and unqualified officials in government roles.
• What were the long-term consequences of Andrew Jackson's Spoils System on the federal government and its operations?
  • The long-term consequences of Andrew Jackson's Spoils System included a significant shift away from merit-based appointments toward political patronage, leading to widespread inefficiencies within the federal government. The reliance on loyalty over qualifications often resulted in inexperienced individuals holding key positions, causing public dissatisfaction. This environment eventually spurred reform movements, culminating in legislation such as the Pendleton Act, which aimed to create a more professional and competent civil service.
• Evaluate how Andrew Jackson's use of the Spoils System influenced subsequent presidential administrations and shaped American political culture.
  • Andrew Jackson's implementation of the Spoils System had a profound impact on future presidential administrations and American political culture. Subsequent leaders adopted similar patronage practices, leading to a cycle of political favoritism that persisted well into the 19th century. This practice fostered a culture of loyalty-based politics, creating entrenched party systems and reinforcing divisions within government that would ultimately necessitate reforms. The backlash against patronage laid the groundwork for civil service reforms in the late 19th century, signaling a gradual shift towards meritocracy in public administration.

Related terms

Patronage:

The support, encouragement, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another, often used in the context of political appointments.

Meritocracy: A system in which appointments and responsibilities are assigned based on individual talent and merit rather than political connections or loyalty.

Civil Service Reform:

Efforts made to improve the hiring process for government jobs by implementing merit-based systems rather than relying on political patronage.