Spoils System
A practice in which a political party gives government civil service jobs to its supporters
Real World Example
During the Age of Jackson (1830-1840), the spoils system was used to reward political supporters with government jobs, helping Andrew Jackson consolidate power and increase political loyalty. It aimed to democratize government by replacing elite bureaucrats with ordinary citizens, but often led to corruption and inefficiency. This system was significant as it highlighted debates over merit versus loyalty in public service. Today, the concept remains relevant as it parallels how some companies might hire friends or family, prioritizing personal connections over qualifications. For example, if a friend gets a job because they know someone in the company rather than their skills, it can lead to challenges in workplace fairness and productivity.
