Curated OER
Rotation in Office
Eleventh graders explore the concept of the spoils system. In this presidential history lesson, 11th graders examine Andrew Jackson's Inaugural Address as well as a letter to him from Mary Barney in order to gain an understanding of the...
Curated OER
The Muckrakers Interdisciplinary Unit
Eighth graders complete an Interdisciplinary Unit on the Muckrakers and the Progressive Movement. Students describe life in America and how Progressive Reformers changed it. identify specific problems and propose solutions. Students...
Curated OER
Civil Service Reform: Campaign Contributions
Eleventh graders discuss the 19th-century spoils system. They discuss the 1990s licenses for bribes campaign contribution scandal that occurred under George Ryan's (Illinois's then-Secretary of State) tenure. .
Northern Illinois University
Teaching Future Historians: Civil Service Reform: Senate Debates
Here is a terrific lesson plan that involves all students in examining the reasons Senators had for and against civil service reform following the assassination President Garfield. All the source materials are available for the...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Pendleton Act
A nice site about the Pendleton Act allows you to view a large image of the actual document itself, gives the transcript to the document, and provides background information about the Act.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Pendleton Act (1883)
The passage of the Pendleton Act was a reaction to assassination of President James A. Garfield. Find the text of the act and read a discussion of why such a law is necessary. An image of the document and a transcript of the law are...
Duke University
Duke University Libraries: Election of 1928
Comprehensive information on the election of 1928 in which the "spoils system" and the Democratic Party were introduced. Content includes the candidates, the issues, the vote, and what happened as a result of the election.
Other
The Garfield Observer: Stalwarts, Half Breeds, and Political Assassination
This is a concise description of the turmoil in the Republican Party leading up to the campaign and election of 1880. How or whether to reform the patronage system was at the heart of the selection of a candidate. Find out about the...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Gilded Age 1870 1900: Key Political Issues: Patronage, Tariffs, Gold
Political patronage was a big problem in the late 19th century and led to corruption within the government. This made it difficult to reform the civil service. Tariffs were another big issue and affected economic groups in different...
OpenStax
Open Stax: A New Political Style: From John Quincy Adams to Andrew Jackson
By reading this section of a chapter on "Jacksonian Democracy," students will be able to explain and illustrate the new style of American politics in the 1820s, describe the policies of John Quincy Adams's presidency and explain the...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Andrew Jackson: Domestic Affairs
A comprehensive overview of the domestic issues facing Andrew Jackson in his presidency, from the "spoils system" to veto of the bank recharter to his Indian removal policy.
Digital History
Digital History: The Presidency of Andrew Jackson
The campaign of 1828 was heated and bitter. Read about the man who was elected, Andrew Jackson, his background, and the basis of his administration.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Henry Clay
An in-depth biography on American statesman and orator Henry Clay which lists his numerous life accomplishments as well as a discussion of his political life. Content includes information on his "American System," his views on slavery,...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: A Strong Presidency
See how Andrew Jackson handled his role as president and advocate of the common man. His using the spoils system had an altruistic beginning, but it soon became a function of corruption.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Andrew Jackson: Jackson and Congress
As part of this larger biography of Andrew Jackson is this discussion of his relationship to Congress. Included are his attempt to correct the corruption in the bureaucracy and the major legislative events of his presidency.
Digital History
Digital History: Civil Service Reform
Describes the problem of political patronage among government employees, that led to the passing of the Pendleton Act under President Chester Arthur. The Act brought in a merit system for employment in a government job.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
Wikipedia provides an encyclopedia article on the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.