Civil Service Reform

Definition

Civil service reform refers to the efforts made to improve the hiring and promotion process of government employees based on their merit rather than political connections. It aimed to reduce corruption and ensure qualified individuals were appointed to government positions.

Related terms

Spoils System: The spoils system was a practice where elected officials rewarded their supporters with government jobs, regardless of qualifications.

Merit System: The merit system is an alternative approach to the spoils system, where candidates are selected for public employment based on their abilities and qualifications.

Pendleton Act: The Pendleton Act, passed in 1883, established a bipartisan Civil Service Commission in order to implement merit-based hiring practices and decrease political patronage.