Civil Service Reform

Andrew Jackson

Jan 1, 1828

Andrew Jackson was elected President, the "spoils system", in which political friends and supporters were rewarded with Government positions, was in full force.

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act

Jan 1, 1883

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was passed by Congress in 1883. It provided Federal Government jobs be awarded and that Government employees be selected through competitive exams. The law further forbids requiring employees to give political service or contributions.

Federal employees

Jan 1, 1884

In Jackson’s time there were approximately 20,000 Federal employees. By 1884 there were over 130,000. Additionally, with the industrialization of America, Federal jobs became more specialized and required special and specific skills.