The patronage system refers to a political practice where government officials give jobs, contracts, and other benefits to supporters and friends as a means of rewarding loyalty.
Related terms
Spoils System: The spoils system is an earlier version of the patronage system where newly elected officials hire their supporters for government jobs as a reward for their loyalty.
Pendleton Act: The Pendleton Act was passed in 1883 to reform the patronage system by establishing a merit-based civil service exam for certain government positions.
Political Machines: Political machines were powerful organizations that used the patronage system to gain control over local politics by providing services and jobs in exchange for votes.