Question

The basis of appointments to the bureaucracy during most of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century was:

Answer 1

The basis of appointments to the bureaucracy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries shifted from political patronage under the spoils system to a merit system following the Pendleton Act of 1883.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basis of appointments to the bureaucracy during most of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century was initially the spoils system, a form of political patronage where government jobs were given as rewards for political support. However, this began to change with the Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, commonly known as the Pendleton Act, which shifted the hiring process towards a merit system. The merit system was based on the qualifications and abilities of applicants, as opposed to their political connections.

The rise of the merit system over the spoils system was a significant transformation in the federal bureaucracy, promoting a more ethical and professional public service. It increased efficiency within the bureaucracy and established principles of fair employment practices. Civil service organizations, such as the National Association of All Civil Service Employees formed in 1896, further encouraged this shift. These organizations advocated for job security independent of the political tide. Consequently, the civil service has evolved to carefully regulate hiring practices to ensure the right candidates are assigned to the right roles based on their qualifications.