Political affiliation refers to a person's alignment with a specific political party or ideology. In the context of hiring federal employees, it means selecting individuals based on their loyalty to a certain political party rather than their qualifications or abilities.
Related terms
Meritocracy: Meritocracy is a system where positions and rewards are determined based on individual merit and achievement, rather than factors like social status or political connections.
Spoils System: The spoils system is an approach to filling government positions by rewarding loyal supporters with jobs and favors, often practiced in the 19th century.
Civil Service Commission: The Civil Service Commission was established in 1883 to oversee the selection and hiring of federal employees based on merit instead of nepotism or political favoritism.