Political Patronage

Definition

Political patronage refers to the practice of appointing individuals to government positions based on their loyalty and support for a particular political party or leader, rather than their qualifications or merit. This system was notably prominent during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, who believed in rewarding his supporters with government jobs as a way to promote democracy and encourage political participation among ordinary citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Jackson implemented the spoils system on a large scale, claiming it would bring fresh ideas into government and reduce corruption.
2. Political patronage allowed Jackson to solidify his power by rewarding loyal followers, helping him build a strong coalition of supporters.
3. Critics argued that political patronage led to unqualified individuals holding important government positions, undermining effective governance.
4. The practice of political patronage led to significant changes in federal employment, making it more accessible to average citizens rather than just elites.
5. The impact of political patronage during Jackson's presidency laid the groundwork for future political machines and patronage systems in American politics.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Jackson's use of political patronage reflect his beliefs about democracy and governance?
  • Andrew Jackson believed that political patronage was essential for promoting democracy by ensuring that ordinary citizens could participate in government. By appointing loyal supporters to government positions, he aimed to dismantle the elite hold on power and create a more representative administration. This approach reflected his vision of a government accountable to the people, although it also raised concerns about the qualifications of those in office.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the spoils system implemented by Andrew Jackson on American political practices.
  • The spoils system had significant long-term effects on American politics by institutionalizing patronage as a common practice. This created an environment where loyalty often outweighed qualifications for government positions, leading to inefficiencies and corruption. Over time, this contributed to the rise of political machines that manipulated voter support through favors and job promises, ultimately prompting reform movements aimed at establishing merit-based hiring practices in government.
• Assess how political patronage during Jackson's presidency influenced the development of modern American political parties.
  • Political patronage during Jackson's presidency played a critical role in shaping modern American political parties by emphasizing the importance of loyalty and grassroots support. Jackson's approach encouraged party organization at local levels, fostering a sense of belonging among supporters and transforming political participation. As a result, modern political parties evolved into more structured entities focused on mobilizing voters through patronage and personal connections, paving the way for contemporary campaign strategies.

Related terms

Spoils System: The spoils system is a practice closely related to political patronage, where winning political parties reward their supporters with government jobs and favors after an election.

Democratic Party: The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, which emerged in the early 19th century and was significantly shaped by Andrew Jackson's policies and beliefs.

Jacksonian Democracy: Jacksonian Democracy refers to the political movement that championed greater rights for the common man, emphasizing populism and opposing elitism, which was influenced by Jackson's presidency.