President Chester A. Arthur

Definition

Chester A. Arthur was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. He took office following the assassination of James A. Garfield and became known for his efforts to reform the civil service system during the Gilded Age, a period marked by political corruption and patronage. Arthur's presidency is significant as it highlights the changing attitudes toward government reform during an era characterized by economic growth and political strife.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arthur was initially viewed as a product of the political machine, but he surprised many by advocating for civil service reforms after becoming president.
2. He implemented the Pendleton Act, which established a more equitable system for government employment based on merit rather than party affiliation.
3. Arthur's presidency also focused on modernizing the U.S. Navy and improving relations with foreign nations, particularly through trade agreements.
4. Despite his efforts at reform, Arthur faced challenges from both conservative and progressive factions within the Republican Party.
5. Chester A. Arthur did not seek reelection in 1884 due to health issues and left office with a reputation as an unexpectedly effective reformer.

Review Questions

• How did Chester A. Arthur's presidency reflect the changing attitudes towards government and civil service during the Gilded Age?
  • Chester A. Arthur's presidency marked a significant shift in attitudes towards government, particularly in terms of civil service reform. Initially seen as a product of political patronage, Arthur surprised many by championing reform efforts aimed at reducing corruption and ensuring merit-based hiring practices. This change reflected a growing public demand for integrity in government and an acknowledgment of the need to address the widespread issues of political corruption that defined the Gilded Age.
• Evaluate the impact of the Pendleton Act on federal employment practices and its significance during Chester A. Arthur's administration.
  • The Pendleton Act had a profound impact on federal employment practices by establishing a merit-based system that reduced the influence of political patronage. By signing this act into law, Chester A. Arthur helped initiate a major transformation in how government jobs were filled, making it more difficult for political machines to control appointments. This legislation is significant not only as a hallmark of Arthur's presidency but also as a foundational step towards creating a more professional and accountable civil service in the United States.
• Analyze how Chester A. Arthur's approach to governance during his presidency influenced future political reforms in the United States.
  • Chester A. Arthur's governance set important precedents for future political reforms in the United States by demonstrating that effective leadership could emerge from unexpected places, such as within a political machine. His commitment to civil service reform through measures like the Pendleton Act showcased that progress could be made even amid widespread corruption. This approach encouraged subsequent leaders to pursue similar reforms, paving the way for more comprehensive changes in how government operated and establishing principles that would guide American politics well into the 20th century.

Related terms

Civil Service Reform:

A movement aimed at eliminating corruption in government by implementing merit-based hiring and promotion systems, which was a key focus during Arthur's presidency.

Pendleton Act: A landmark piece of legislation signed into law by Arthur in 1883 that established a merit-based system for federal employment and marked a significant shift away from patronage.

Gilded Age:

A term used to describe the late 19th century in American history, characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and widespread political corruption.