The patronage system (aka the spoils system) is when one is given a government job by the winning party because they are a friend/ family member or supporter, while the merit system is when government jobs are given based on merit: their knowledge of politics and how they could help the government.
Merit is
In the spoils system, also known as the patronage system, elected officials give government jobs to their supporters, friends, and relatives, regardless of how qualified they are for the job. In the merit system, government employees are hired or promoted based on their ability to perform a job, regardless of their political connections.
patronage system
The merit principle is hiring someone based on competencies rather than affiliations and relations (patronage). Merit system is simply responsible for maintaining the merit principle through the Public Service Commission!
Civil Service Commission
This question refers to the spoils system (as opposed to a competitive merit based promotions and appointments). The spoils system is used synonymously with the concepts of corruption and the party machine politics.
A civil service system ensures that appointments and promotions are based on merit and abilities. Appointments are not made by political patronage.
The patronage system was a practice in which political leaders provided jobs, contracts, and other benefits to their supporters in exchange for political loyalty and votes. This system often led to corruption and inefficiency, as positions were awarded based on favoritism rather than merit. It was particularly prominent in the United States during the 19th century, culminating in reforms like the Pendleton Act of 1883, which aimed to establish a merit-based civil service. Overall, the patronage system played a significant role in shaping political dynamics and governance.
Yes
A system of government based on rule by ability (merit) rather than by wealth or social position.
The Pendleton Act of 1883 significantly reduced the spoils system and patronage in the federal government by establishing a merit-based civil service system. This meant that government positions would no longer be distributed based on political affiliation but rather on qualifications and performance. The act aimed to combat corruption and ensure a more efficient and professional bureaucracy.
The civil service system is an employment system.