spoils system
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.spoils system
nounDefinition of SPOILS SYSTEM
: a practice of regarding public offices and their emoluments as plunder to be distributed to members of the victorious party
First Known Use of SPOILS SYSTEM
1838
spoils system
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)In U.S. politics, the practice by political parties of rewarding partisans and workers after winning an election. Proponents claim it helps maintain an active party organization by offering supporters jobs and contracts. Critics charge that it awards appointments to the unqualified and is inefficient because even jobs unrelated to public policy change hands after an election. In the U.S., the Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883) was the first step in introducing the merit system in the hiring of government workers. The merit system has almost completely replaced the spoils system. See also civil service.
Variants of SPOILS SYSTEM
spoils system or patronage system
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