Final answer:
The assassination of President Garfield prompted civil service reform, leading to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Act under his successor, Chester A. Arthur, which established merit-based examinations for some federal jobs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Impact of President Garfield's Assassination on Federal Government Reform
The assassination of President James Garfield led to significant reform in the federal government.
After Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau, a failed lawyer and disappointed office seeker, there was a public outpouring for change, especially regarding the spoils system.
The spoils system, which had allowed party supporters to be rewarded with government jobs regardless of their qualifications, was seen as a problematic civil service practice that contributed to Guiteau's motives.
As a result, there was a push for civil service reform, leading to the enactment of the Pendleton Civil Service Act in 1883.
President Chester A. Arthur, who succeeded Garfield, supported the new law, having had limited choices due to the strong calls for reform following the assassination.
This act prohibited federal employees from making monetary contributions to politicians who appointed them and established the Civil Service Commission, which administered competitive examinations for government jobs.
While the Pendleton Act initially only affected a small percentage of federal jobs, it established the foundation for a more merit-based and impartial civil service.