Final answer:
The term for the practice where political supporters are rewarded with jobs for their support is known as the spoils system. This practice became widespread in the 19th century but was later reformed by the Pendleton Act of 1883.
Step-by-step explanation:
The philosophy in which political supporters were awarded jobs in return for their support is known as the spoils system. This system was particularly prevalent in the 19th century and involved the distribution of government jobs to political party loyalists. The spoils system began under President Andrew Jackson's administration, where it was used to reward those who were loyal to the political party in power, ensuring that the bureaucracy was aligned with the president's policies. Criticism of this system led to the creation of the Pendleton Act in 1883, which sought to end the practice of patronage in federal jobs by implementing a merit-based system of employment.