The Spoils System and Executive Control
In Grade 8 US history, students learn about the spoils system introduced during Andrew Jackson's presidency, where government jobs were given as rewards to political supporters. Jackson justified this practice by arguing that government positions should be accessible to ordinary citizens, not held indefinitely by an elite few. This practice of rewarding party loyalty with jobs is covered in History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism, Chapter 4.
Key Concepts
When Andrew Jackson became president, he believed many government officials had been in their jobs for too long. He argued they had lost touch with ordinary Americans and that government work should be open to more people.
Jackson began replacing these officials with his own supporters. This practice of giving government jobs to reward party members became known as the spoils system . For the first time, political loyalty was seen as more important than experience, which helped Jackson strengthen his control over the government.
Common Questions
What is the spoils system in US history?
The spoils system is the practice of giving government jobs to supporters of the winning political party rather than selecting officials based on merit. Andrew Jackson widely used this practice when he became president.
Why did Andrew Jackson support the spoils system?
Jackson argued that long-serving government officials had become out of touch with ordinary Americans. He believed rotating jobs among his supporters would make government more democratic and open to common people.
What is the origin of the phrase spoils system?
The phrase comes from the saying "to the victor go the spoils." It means the winning party claims the rewards—including government jobs—after an election victory.
Which textbook covers the spoils system in Grade 8?
History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism, Chapter 4: Launching the New Republic, covers the spoils system and Andrew Jackson's use of executive control over government appointments.
What were the problems with the spoils system?
Critics argued the spoils system put unqualified people in important government positions. It led to corruption and inefficiency, eventually prompting civil service reform in the late 1800s.