What did the Pendleton Act do?
A) Extend federal civil service protections to the states
B) Reorganize the federal government and exempt a substantial number of government employees from civil service protections
C) Increase the number of government employees selected by the spoils system
D) Establish the principle of employment on the basis of open competitive examinations
E) Establish a merit system during the Civil War

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Pendleton Act established the principle of employment on the basis of open competitive examinations, which replaced the spoils system where government employees were appointed based on political connections rather than qualifications. This act was passed in 1883 with the intention of reforming the civil service system and ensuring that government employees were hired and promoted based on merit rather than political affiliation.

What Did the Pendleton Act Do