Final Answer:
The reforms that originated with the Grant administration include the establishment of the first Civil Service Commission in 1871 and the passage of the Enforcement Acts in 1870 and 1871 to combat the Ku Klux Klan and protect the rights of African Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the leadership of President Ulysses S. Grant, the administration prioritized civil service reform to address issues of corruption and patronage. In 1871, the Grant administration established the United States Civil Service Commission, marking the first systematic attempt to move away from the spoils system and introduce a merit-based system for federal appointments. The goal was to ensure that government positions were filled based on qualifications and competency rather than political favoritism.
Additionally, the Grant administration played a crucial role in addressing civil rights and protecting the rights of African Americans in the South. The Enforcement Acts, also known as the Ku Klux Klan Acts, were passed in 1870 and 1871. These acts were a response to the violence and intimidation tactics employed by the Ku Klux Klan to suppress the political and civil rights of African Americans. The Enforcement Acts empowered the federal government to take action against those who violated the rights of citizens, allowing for federal intervention in areas where state authorities were unable or unwilling to protect the rights of African Americans.
In summary, the reforms originating from the Grant administration, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and the passage of the Enforcement Acts, reflected efforts to address issues of corruption, patronage, and civil rights during a crucial period in U.S. history.