Question

The purpose of the Pendleton Act was to?

1) Ensure that federal workers were paid the same as workers in the private sector
2) Give federal workers the right to form labor unions
3) Develop a professional civil service based on merit
4) Reduce corruption by substantially increasing the salaries of federal employees
5) Allow the president to appoint the higher levels of the federal civil service

Answer 1

The Pendleton Act aimed to develop a professional civil service based on merit, ending the spoils system and advancing government reform.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was to transform the federal hiring process by instituting a merit-based system for civil service positions, thereby ending the widespread patronage practices also known as 'spoils system'. The law established the Civil Service Commission, which introduced competitive exams for civil service roles and made it illegal to punish government workers for political reasons. Over time, the act led to professional organizations among civil servants seeking job security independent of political changes.