2.   During 19 th century gov’t positions given to political allies/supporters (i.e. patronage)  Spoils system established under Andrew Jackson  Pres. Garfield assassinated by man who felt his patronage should = job  Pendleton Civil Service Act 1883  Passed to end patronage Old System: Political Patronage

3.   Hiring and promotion now based on merit system  Exams and promotion ratings used to reward qualified individuals  Downside: difficult to fire bad employees  Protected against politically motivated firing  Also protects unproductive workers  Easier to hire new person for same job than fire ineffective one New System: Merit System

4.   Cabinet Departments  15 departments  Headed by Secretaries  Independent Regulatory Commissions  Makes/enforces rules to protect public interest  Ex. Federal Reserve Board, FCC, SEC Types of Agencies

5.   Government Corporations  Provides a service which could be provided by the private sector  Ex: Post Office, TVA  Independent Executive Agencies  All agencies NOT classified under other categories  Ex: NASA