Final answer:
Patronage, also known as the spoils system, contributed to government incompetence and fraud by rewarding political loyalty instead of merit in civil service appointments. This led to inefficiencies and corruption, but the Pendleton Act of 1883 marked the beginning of reform towards a merit-based civil service system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Patronage on Government Competence and Fraud
Patronage, or the spoils system, was a practice where government positions were given based on political loyalty rather than on merit. While it helped maintain political power and loyalty, it led to government inefficiency and corruption. Under this system, patrons rewarded their loyal supporters with government jobs, often disregarding their qualifications or abilities. This system ultimately sustained a cycle of political favoritism that bypassed the more qualified individuals. The spoils system became widely criticized, especially following significant scandals, such as those during President Ulysses S. Grant's administration.
This criticism eventually led to reformist efforts, such as the introduction of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, which aimed to transform the bureaucracy into a merit-based system. The merit system was designed to create a more competent and fair government by selecting, retaining, and promoting individuals based on their qualifications and performance in competitive examinations. Despite this change, political patronage has remained a topic of concern, with ongoing discussions about its implications for government efficiency and integrity.