The Establishment of the United States Civil Service System
The United States federal civil service system was established in 1871 with the creation of the United States Civil Service Commission. The commission was tasked with administering the civil service of the federal government and ensuring that appointments were made based on merit rather than political patronage.
The Pendleton Act of 1883
A major turning point in the development of the civil service system came with the passage of the Pendleton Act in 1883. This act was a response to the assassination of President James Garfield by a disappointed office seeker. The act prohibited mandatory campaign contributions and required entrance exams for aspiring bureaucrats. It also placed most federal employees on the merit system, marking the end of the “spoils system” in which government jobs were awarded to political supporters.
Impact of the Pendleton Act
The Pendleton Act had a significant impact on the development of the civil service system in the United States. It resulted in more expertise and less politics in federal jobs. However, it also led to the parties relying on funding from business instead of patronage hopefuls.
Subsequent Civil Service Reforms
The Pendleton Act was not the end of civil service reform in the United States. Subsequent reforms have been enacted to further strengthen the merit system and ensure that the civil service is responsive to the needs of the American people.
Sources
- United States federal civil service – Wikipedia
- The History of Civil Service Reform | Pay for Performance: Evaluating Performance Appraisal and Merit Pay | The National Academies Press
- Civil service reform in the United States – Wikipedia
FAQs
When was the civil service system created?
The United States civil service system was created in 1871 with the establishment of the United States Civil Service Commission.
What is the purpose of the civil service system?
The purpose of the civil service system is to ensure that government jobs are awarded based on merit and qualifications, rather than political patronage.
What was the Pendleton Act?
The Pendleton Act was a law passed in 1883 that prohibited mandatory campaign contributions and required entrance exams for aspiring bureaucrats. It also placed most federal employees on the merit system.
What impact did the Pendleton Act have?
The Pendleton Act had a significant impact on the development of the civil service system in the United States. It resulted in more expertise and less politics in federal jobs. However, it also led to the parties relying on funding from business instead of patronage hopefuls.
What are the benefits of a civil service system?
The benefits of a civil service system include ensuring that government jobs are awarded based on merit and qualifications, reducing political patronage, and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of government.
What are the challenges facing the civil service system?
The challenges facing the civil service system include ensuring that the system is fair and equitable, attracting and retaining qualified employees, and adapting to the changing needs of government.
How can the civil service system be improved?
The civil service system can be improved by increasing transparency and accountability, providing more training and development opportunities for employees, and modernizing the hiring and promotion process.
What is the future of the civil service system?
The future of the civil service system is uncertain. However, it is likely that the system will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of government and society.