Final answer:
State and local government laws based on the Civil Service Act of 1883 typically require that government employees be selected and maintained based on qualifications and abilities rather than political connections, a system known as the merit system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most state and local government laws modeled after the Civil Service Act of 1883 require that government employees be hired and retained based on merit rather than political affiliation. This is a move away from the spoils system, where jobs were awarded based on partisan loyalty, towards a merit system where employment is contingent on an individual's qualifications and ability to perform the job. The key elements of this reform include the establishment of the Civil Service Commission, the requirement for applicants to pass exams testing their competence, and the assurance of job security no longer tied to political swings. However, it's important to note that over time, the rigid requirement for civil service exams has evolved. Now, many positions are filled through an assessment of the applicant's education, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities, with only a small percentage of jobs still requiring these exams, especially those requiring specific technical knowledge or critical thinking.