Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883
A law requiring Federal jobs to be given based on merit and not on patronage.
The Pendleton Civil Service Act is a federal law that was passed in 1883 in the United States. The act was primarily designed to reform the Civil Service System in the United States and to reduce the practice of political patronage. The act was introduced by Senator George H. Pendleton, who was a prominent political figure at the time.
The Pendleton Civil Service Act established a merit-based system for the selection of federal government employees, which meant that the selection process was based on the candidate’s qualifications, rather than on political affiliation or personal connections. The act created the United States Civil Service Commission, which was responsible for overseeing the implementation of the new system.
One of the primary objectives of the act was to address the issue of corruption in government hiring practices. Prior to the act, government positions were typically awarded to individuals who had political connections, rather than those with the best qualifications for the job. The act ensured that federal government jobs were filled based on merit, which meant that candidates had to undergo a rigorous selection process that involved examinations, interviews, and references.
The Pendleton Civil Service Act helped to professionalize the federal government workforce and eliminate the spoils system. Although it did not completely eradicate political patronage, it significantly reduced its influence on the selection of government employees.
Overall, the Pendleton Civil Service Act was a significant piece of legislation that had a profound impact on the Civil Service System in the United States. It helped to ensure that government employees were selected based on their qualifications and ability to perform the job, rather than on their political affiliation or connections.
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