Final answer:
The Pendleton Civil Service Act was a law passed in 1883 that aimed to reform the spoils system and establish a merit-based civil service system. It created the Civil Service Commission, which administered competitive exams for government jobs. The act led to greater job security for civil servants and the formation of civil service organizations advocating for further reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pendleton Civil Service Act, also known as the Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, was a law that established the Civil Service Commission. This federal agency administered competitive examinations for individuals seeking government jobs. The act aimed to replace the spoils system with a merit-based system of hiring and promotion based on open, competitive exams.
Under the Pendleton Act, civil service appointments were no longer tied to partisan success, providing greater job security for civil servants. The law also led to the creation of civil service organizations, like the National Association of All Civil Service Employees, which advocated for further reform and job security.
Overall, the Pendleton Civil Service Act was a significant reform that marked the beginning of a merit-based civil service system in the United States.