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In the late 1800's, corrupt politics tried to gain votes for themselves by giving government jobs to loyal supporters. This method was called the spoils system. By offering job rewards to voters and supporters, politicians could easily gain office. Even President Andrew Jackson used the spoils system to get to the top. This may seem in the past or dead and gone, but in reality, many American politics flourish with this method. Winner takes all in politics these days, as the saying goes to the victor goes the spoils. There is little proportional representation in America. In Europe, there is some measure of proportional representation and such a system is under debate in Canada.
No, but when there is power and people something like it develops without oversight.
The spoils system evolved as way to get the most money from government projects. Those who won the contracts felt as if they deserved the "spoils".
The spoils system is when an elected official give positions of power to political supporters and friends. This system has largely been replaced with the merit system after the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Act, however the spoils system is still sometimes seen in the appointments of ambassadors.
James Garfield was the president who worked to limit the spoils system and was later assassinated.
James Garfield tries to limt the spoils system by reforming civil service.
Merit System