AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Civil Service Reform (Day 201/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Civil Service Reform as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Garfield Assassination, Wikimedia Commons

In 1881, the assassination of President James Garfield exposed issues of the patronage system and fueled support for civil service reform.

“An Office or Your Life,” Wikimedia Commons

The assassin, Charles Guiteau, believed he would be rewarded with a government job, as was common with the patronage system in the Gilded Age, due to his support for Garfield’s campaign. He shot Garfield when he was ignored for four months.

Pendleton Act, National Archives

Public outrage motivated Congress to create a merit based system for hiring practices in government. They passed the Pendleton Act in 1883 to reform the system.

A Presidential Conjurer, Wikimedia Commons

Positions, even if just a small percentage at the start, would now be filled through competitive examinations rather than political favoritism, aiming to ensure that qualified individuals were appointed to government roles. 

Civil service reform, such as through the Pendleton Act, aimed to create a more efficient and accountable government by reducing the influence of wealthy political supporters. 

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Money Question in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!