Answer:
Pendleton Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The act that classified certain federal jobs in 1883 is called the Pendleton Act. The Pendleton Act, also known as the Civil Service Act, was signed into law by President Chester A. Arthur in 1883. This act established a merit-based system for hiring and promoting federal employees based on their qualifications rather than political affiliation or connections. Prior to the Pendleton Act, government jobs were often given to individuals as rewards for their political support, leading to corruption and inefficiency.
Under the Pendleton Act, the United States Civil Service Commission was created to oversee the implementation of the merit-based system. This commission was responsible for administering competitive exams to determine the qualifications of candidates for federal jobs. By implementing this system, the Pendleton Act aimed to ensure that federal positions were filled by qualified individuals who could perform their duties effectively.
The Pendleton Act is significant because it marked a shift towards a more professional and nonpartisan civil service in the United States. It helped to eliminate the spoils system, where political allies were rewarded with government jobs, and introduced a fair and transparent process for hiring and promotion. The act was a response to public concerns about corruption and patronage in government, and it laid the foundation for a modern civil service system that continues to this day.