Spoils system

Definition

The spoils system is a practice where political party leaders reward their supporters with government jobs or benefits following an electoral victory. It emphasizes loyalty to the party over merit or qualifications for positions within bureaucracies.

Related terms

Patronage: A system where appointments to positions are given based on political affiliation or loyalty rather than merit.

Meritocracy: A system where individuals are appointed to positions based on their abilities and qualifications rather than political connections.

Civil Service Reform: Reforms aimed at reducing the influence of patronage and implementing merit-based systems for hiring and promotion within the public sector