Patronage

Definition

Patronage refers to the practice of using political power or influence to provide jobs, contracts, or other benefits to supporters, allies, or members of one's political party or faction. It was a prevalent form of political corruption in the United States during the Postbellum period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Patronage was a key feature of the political landscape in the United States during the Postbellum period, particularly in the late 19th century.
2. The Spoils System, which rewarded political supporters with government jobs, was a common manifestation of patronage in this era.
3. Machine politics, where political organizations controlled the distribution of jobs and other benefits, often relied on the use of patronage to maintain power.
4. Patronage contributed to the rise of political corruption, as government positions and contracts were awarded based on political loyalty rather than merit.
5. The practice of patronage was seen as a threat to the principles of good governance and civil service reform, leading to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Spoils System was a manifestation of the patronage system in the Postbellum period.
  • The Spoils System, where government jobs were awarded to political supporters rather than based on merit, was a direct expression of the patronage system during the Postbellum period. This practice allowed political parties and factions to reward their allies with government positions, often without regard for their qualifications. The Spoils System contributed to the rise of political corruption, as it incentivized the distribution of public resources for personal or partisan gain rather than the public good.
• Describe the relationship between machine politics and the use of patronage in the Postbellum period.
  • Machine politics, where political organizations exerted control over the distribution of jobs and other benefits, often relied heavily on the practice of patronage. By rewarding supporters with government positions and contracts, machine politicians were able to maintain power and influence. This system of patronage allowed political machines to consolidate their control over the political process, often at the expense of good governance and the public interest. The rise of machine politics and the associated patronage practices were seen as a significant threat to the principles of democracy and civil service reform during the Postbellum period.
• Analyze the impact of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act on the patronage system in the United States.
  • The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was a direct response to the widespread use of patronage in the Postbellum period. The act established a merit-based civil service system, where government positions were awarded based on qualifications and competitive examinations, rather than political loyalty or connections. This reform measure sought to limit the influence of patronage and the Spoils System, which had contributed to the rise of political corruption. The passage of the Pendleton Act was a significant step towards restoring principles of good governance and reducing the impact of the patronage system in the United States.

Related terms

Spoils System: The practice of appointing political allies to government positions, regardless of their qualifications, in exchange for their political support.

Machine Politics: A system of political organization based on the distribution of jobs and other benefits to supporters, often in exchange for votes or political loyalty.

Graft: The act of using one's position of power or influence to obtain illicit benefits, such as kickbacks, bribes, or the misappropriation of public funds.