In politics and government, a spoils system (also known as a patronage system) is a practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends (cronyism), and relatives (nepotism) as a reward for working toward victory, and as an incentive to keep working for the party.

Spoils system, practice in which the political party winning an election rewards its campaign workers and other active supporters by appointment to government posts and with other favors. Learn more about the history and significance of the spoils system in this article.

Jan 21, 2020 · "The Spoils System" was the name given to the practice of hiring and firing federal workers when presidential administrations changed in the 19th century. It is also known as the patronage system.

Mar 19, 2024 · The Spoils System, also known as the Patronage System, was a political practice in the United States during the 19th century whereby government jobs and appointments were awarded based on loyalty to a political party rather than skill or qualifications.

Jun 11, 2018 · spoils system Form of US political patronage. The practice of appointing loyal members of the party in power to public offices was first referred to as the spoils system under Andrew Jackson. It reached its height between c.1860 and c.1880, and declined after the Civil Service Act of 1883.

Andrew Jackson's Spoils System refers to the practice of appointing loyal political supporters to government positions as a reward for their support during an election.

The spoils system, also known as the patronage system, refers to the practice of appointing political allies and supporters to government positions, rather than hiring based on merit and qualifications.

The “spoils system” describes when a candidate wins election and then rewards campaign staffers and fundraisers by appointing them to prized jobs in the administration. This practice is sometimes also called the patronage system .

The Spoils System is a practice in which political leaders give government jobs and favors to their supporters, often without regard for their qualifications.

spoils system, in U.S. history, the practice of giving appointive offices to loyal members of the party in power. The name supposedly derived from a speech by Senator William Learned Marcy in which he stated, “to the victor belong the spoils.”