, balance of power b/w D and R All close elections House/Senate only controlled by same party twice during this time ∴ very difficult to pass new laws, legislations blocked when party control changed

R. Hayes – won by Compromise of 1877 Ben Harrison – lost popular vote, won E.C. vote James Garfield – assassinated Chester Arthur – replaced Garfield in 1881, and in 1884 he failed to receive his party’s nomination as the Republican Party presidential candidate. Grover Cleveland – stood out as the anti-corruption candidate in 1892

Thomas Nast: His political cartoons drew attention to party bosses, most famously, Boss Tweed How did party bosses get their power? What did they do? Head of Tammany Hall Tax payers to fund a $13 mililon project that only costs $3 million

Politicians awarded gov’t jobs to loyal party members/workers With no regard to qualifications, simply to keep party strong Political parties spent $$$ on campaigns Federal contracts used to convince people to vote for their contracts Kickbacks: often used by party bosses, commission in bribes Political participation increased during this time

Civil Service: employment system that establishes entrance, promotions and other aspects of gov’t employment Is used (should have been) in the federal gov’t at the executive branch During the G.A. this was not the case In the reformed system, gov’t workers would get jobs due to merit and expertise (not party)

President Garfield’s assassination Killed by Guiteau b/c the Republican Party failed to give him the job they promised him President Arthur supported civil service reform b/c of public pressure to reform after Garfield’s assassination Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883): Established a Civil Service Commission Civil service exam

Major parties committed to the gold standard – use gold to back our paper money Tariff Debate: Tariffs used to protect American made goods  debates to lower/raise Election of 1888 – Republicans wanted a higher tariff to protect American made goods and jobs Democrats wanted to lower the tariff, argued that higher tariffs increased the cost of goods & made it harder for farmers to export

Paper $ introduced during the Civil War (greenbacks) Retired afterwards to reduce inflation Coinage Act of 1873: Gov’t would no longer make both gold and silver coins, only gold Strongly opposed by some Farmers argued that minting silver would help increase inflation ∴ prices for their crops with increase Strongly supported by others Bankers and those involved with internat’l trade argued it would weaken the American economy.