Final answer:
The spoils system, wherein presidents rewarded political supporters with governmental appointments, reinforced the perception that officials were unqualified in the 1830s. This practice was curtailed with the introduction of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 after the assassination of President Garfield.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the Spoils System on Public Perception of Government Officials
The practice that reinforced the perception that public servants and officials were unqualified during the 1830s was B. The president rewarding political supporters with appointments to desirable positions, known as the spoils system. This system of political patronage meant that government jobs were often given to individuals as a reward for political support, rather than based on merit or qualifications. The administration of President Andrew Jackson saw a significant expansion of this practice, which favored party loyalty over competence.
The spoil system's reciprocal nature cultivated a cadre of civil servants whose main qualification was their allegiance to the party in power. This led to widespread corruption and incompetence in public service, as exemplified by the numerous scandals that rocked President Ulysses S. Grant's administration. The assassination of President James Garfield by a disgruntled office seeker ultimately spurred Congress to pass the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, introducing the merit system for federal employment and marking the beginning of the end for the spoil system.