Final answer:
Theodore Roosevelt contributed to civil service reform by developing a job classification system, establishing competency exams for federal positions, and creating rules to protect civil servants from politically motivated dismissals.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Theodore Roosevelt became head of the Civil Service Commission, he implemented several significant reforms. He was instrumental in the shift away from the spoils system to a merit system, which would have a lasting impact on the federal bureaucracy. Roosevelt's changes aligned with civil service reforms that originated from the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883. Although the Act was signed into law by President Chester A. Arthur, Roosevelt, as head of the Civil Service Commission, was a strong advocate for these reforms and worked diligently for their implementation and enforcement.
The specific changes that Roosevelt made included:
- Developing a job classification system to ensure that employment and promotions were based on merit rather than political connections. This system also helped to organize federal jobs into specific categories based on the nature of the work and qualifications needed.
- Establishing examinations for all positions which were required to test the competence and skills of applicants. Competency exams became a cornerstone of the merit system, ensuring that only qualified individuals were hired for civil service roles.
- Creating an organizational culture that protected civil servants from being fired for political reasons, which included establishing rules for firing staff that were based on performance rather than partisan considerations.
However, it is important to note that reducing the budget of the Commission to reduce spoils was not a change attributed to Roosevelt within the context of civil service reform.