Final answer:
The Senate is known for its prestige, which is a key quality contributing to its esteemed position in government. The spoils system historically allocated political appointments based on party loyalty, but has been replaced by the merit system aimed at ensuring qualified appointments and accountable bureaucracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the general qualities of the Senate that contributes to its standing and reputation in the government system is prestige. Prestige refers to the high status and respect that the Senate holds due to various factors, such as the extended term of office (six years), smaller number of Senators compared to the House of Representatives, the expectation of extensive debate, and the role they play in ratifying treaties and confirming major appointments. Furthermore, the Senate is often seen as a more deliberative body that can work on complex issues with a degree of stability and continuity, enhancing its reputation.
The spoils system allocated political appointments on the basis of party loyalty. This system, prominent in the 19th century American politics, was criticized for promoting cronyism and inefficiency and was eventually replaced by the merit system. The merit system helps ensure that the most qualified applicants are given position, striving for bureaucracies to be comprised of dedicated experts, while also aiming to be responsive to the will of elected leaders and maintaining accountability.