What does the spoils system refer to?

The spoils system refers to the practice of rewarding government jobs to individuals based on their political support and loyalty, rather than on merit or qualifications. This system became prominent in the early 19th century, particularly during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. The idea behind the spoils system was that incoming administrations could replace government employees with their own supporters, thus ensuring loyalty and promoting political alignment within the government.

The term "spoils" comes from the phrase "to the victor belong the spoils," indicating that the winning party in an election is entitled to distribute government positions as a form of reward for their supporters. This practice can lead to significant changes in the bureaucracy with each new administration, regardless of the qualifications of those appointed, leading to debates about the importance of merit in public service.