The Spoils System
The Spoils System examines Andrew Jackson's controversial practice of replacing federal employees with political allies—a major issue in 8th grade U.S. history covering the Age of Jackson (1828-1850). Jackson argued that government jobs should not belong permanently to a bureaucratic class, and that ordinary citizens were qualified to serve. In practice, he fired hundreds of experienced officials and rewarded loyal supporters with positions, a practice critics labeled the spoils system after the phrase 'to the victor belong the spoils.' This debate over merit versus political loyalty in government employment continues to shape American politics.
Key Concepts
Upon becoming president, Andrew Jackson believed that government jobs should not be held by a permanent class of bureaucrats. He argued that any intelligent citizen could perform public duties. To put this into practice, he fired many long serving federal employees and replaced them with his own loyal supporters.
Critics labeled this practice the Spoils System , based on the saying "to the victor belong the spoils." While Jackson claimed this promoted democracy by opening government to the common people, opponents argued it corrupted the government by prioritizing political loyalty over competence and experience.
Common Questions
What is the spoils system?
The spoils system is the practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs after an election victory. The term comes from the phrase 'to the victor belong the spoils of war,' applied to politics by Senator William Marcy in 1832 defending Jackson's appointments.
Why did Andrew Jackson use the spoils system?
Jackson justified the spoils system by arguing that government jobs should not be held permanently by a privileged class of bureaucrats. He believed any capable citizen could perform public duties, and that rotating officeholders into government was more democratic than allowing entrenched officials to accumulate power.
What were the criticisms of the spoils system?
Critics argued the spoils system corrupted government by filling positions with unqualified loyalists rather than competent professionals. It led to inefficiency, corruption, and the use of government employees as political campaign workers. These problems eventually led to the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883, which created merit-based hiring.
How does the spoils system connect to the merit system?
The abuses of the spoils system, especially after President Garfield was assassinated by a disappointed office-seeker in 1881, prompted reform. The Pendleton Act created a merit-based civil service where federal employees are hired by examination, not political connection—the system still used today.
When do 8th graders learn about the spoils system?
The spoils system is covered in 8th grade history in the Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion unit (1828-1850), as part of examining how Jackson's presidency changed the relationship between government and ordinary citizens.
Is the spoils system still used today?
A limited form persists—presidents still appoint thousands of political allies to senior positions like cabinet members and ambassadors. But most federal jobs are now protected civil service positions filled by merit. The debate between political appointments and professional expertise continues in American government.