Final answer:
The spoils system, also known as political patronage, refers to the practice of rewarding party loyalists with employment. It was widely used during President Andrew Jackson's time but later curbed by the Pendleton Act of 1883.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of rewarding party loyalists and friends by offering them employment is known as the spoils system or political patronage. This system emerged in the 1820s and became particularly entrenched during President Andrew Jackson's administration. It involved filling bureaucratic offices and other government positions with individuals who were loyal to the political party in power, effectively tying their employment and livelihood to their political support.
The spoils system was criticized for promoting corruption and inefficiency in government, as it disregarded merit and qualifications in the allocation of jobs. The Pendleton Act of 1883 marked the beginning of the end for this practice at the federal level, as it was instituted to curb the abuses of the spoils system and introduce a merit-based civil service.