Friday January 30, 2015 Go over Homework Agenda Homework Go over Homework Civil Service Notes (4 Slides) “America’s Book of Secrets”
Civics and Economics Day 97
Development of the Civil Service System
Originally… The Executive Branch was small enough to pick who you wanted to work for you. People tried to pick the most qualified people but they tended to be in their party.
Spoils System Jobs were given to people as a reward for their political support. “To the victor belongs the spoils”
Assassination of President Garfield Charles J. Guiteau wrote a speech to help President Garfield win. Expected a job with the State Department for his speech, but didn’t receive it. Became mad, stalked the president and shot him. Led to the passing of the Pendleton Act in 1883
The Merit System Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 placed limits on the number of jobs a president could hand out. Office of Personnel Management sets standards and administers tests and only hires from those who have passed.