Which term refers to the system of awarding government jobs to political supporters?

Which term refers to the system of awarding government jobs to political supporters?

• A. Spoils system
• B. Patronage
• C. Seniority system
• D. Rider

Answer: (A)

The concept here is the practice of awarding government jobs to political supporters after an election, known as the spoils system. In this approach, winning politicians reward campaign workers, donors, and loyalists with public positions to ensure loyalty and help control the bureaucracy. It was a prominent feature in early U.S. history and is closely linked to the era of Andrew Jackson. Over time, reforms moved hiring toward merit and competitive testing, reducing this kind of political reward with measures like the Pendleton Act. While patronage is related, it’s a broader idea of giving favors or positions to allies; the spoils system specifically refers to distributing government jobs as political rewards. The other terms don’t fit: a seniority system bases promotions on length of service, and a rider is an added provision to a bill.

The concept here is the practice of awarding government jobs to political supporters after an election, known as the spoils system. In this approach, winning politicians reward campaign workers, donors, and loyalists with public positions to ensure loyalty and help control the bureaucracy. It was a prominent feature in early U.S. history and is closely linked to the era of Andrew Jackson. Over time, reforms moved hiring toward merit and competitive testing, reducing this kind of political reward with measures like the Pendleton Act. While patronage is related, it’s a broader idea of giving favors or positions to allies; the spoils system specifically refers to distributing government jobs as political rewards. The other terms don’t fit: a seniority system bases promotions on length of service, and a rider is an added provision to a bill.