Question

What impact did the spoils system have on American government?

Answer 1

The impact that the spoils system had on the US Government was not good. It came into effect after Andrew Jackson awarded government positions to his supporters in the election of 1828. Many important positions in the government were held by nobodies who had little or no experience it politics.

Answer 2

Answer:

The spoil system is a practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government positions to its supporters, in return for support in the election, and an incentive to continue working for the party, totally in opposition to a system that privileges the merit, having similarities with the patronage.  

The term derives from the phrase of the then senator William L. Marcy, "to the victor the spoils", referring to the victory of Democrat Andrew Jackson in the Election of 1828.  

When Andrew Jackson was elected president, many wealthy Americans held positions in government that until then were considered perpetual - once nominated by the president or Congress, were not replaced until his death or retirement. However, Jackson, after assuming the presidency, removed many of these government officials, replacing them with his followers; several historians believe Jackson has started the spoils system.