Question

How did the spoils system lead to government corruption and eventually government reform during The Gilded Age?

Answer 1

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

The spoils system led to government corruption and eventually government reform during the Gilded Age in that the spoils system appointed friends and supporters of the candidate during his campaign. As a "thank you gift," President Andrew Jackson introduced the spoils system and instead of appointing professional politicians and people with experience in important positions of the government, he appointed supporters.

During the Gilded Age, there was so much corruption in government because officials were not interested in serving the country and the citizens of the US, but it became rich, allowing bribery and corruption practices with wealthy businessmen.

Answer 2

In the spoils system, elected officials appointed friends and supporter to government jobs, regardless of their qualifications. By the Gilded Age, the government was filled with dishonest, unqualified employees. This system was so appealing to politicians because it ensures a loyal group of followers. Both parties handed out jobs to pay off the people who got them elected. The system led to corruption when dishonest appointees used their jobs for personal profit.