Unit Four - Reform Flashcards
Political Concerns of the times
- Industrialists and other wealthy me were enriching themselves at the expense of the public
- Corruption, bribery, voter fraud and dishonesty in the government
What happened to draw the public’s attention to the spoils system?
President James Garfield was assassinated by a disappointed office seeker.
What is another word for the spoils system?
Patronage
Why was the spoils system bad?
It was bad because people who got the gov. job was not qualified and someone could get hurt.
After Garfield’s death, VP Chester Arthur became president. What did he do to reform the spoils system?
Arthur signed the Pendleton Act, creating the Civil Service Commision.
What was the Pendleton Act?
Created the Civil Service Commision, which established Gov. Jobs, which was given to people who got the highest score on the test.
How did Arthur’s actions end or lessen the problem caused by the spoils system?
Everyone who got Gov. Jobs was qualified and chosen from test scores.
Why was the public upset about the actions of big businesses?
Unfairly influenced gov with bribes and power.
What was Interstate Commerce and how was it effective.
Oversaw railroads to forbid rebates and such practices. This ended rebates in RR.
Why was the Sherman Antitrust Act, was it effective and how was it important in history?
This prohibited businesses from limiting and destroying competition. It was difficult to enforce. The jury used this to limit power of labor unions instead of regulating trusts because strikes blocked free trade, threatening competition. However, it was important part of history because it was an attempt to limit power.
How was the cities corrupted and why was it a big problem?
Political bosses controlled local work and demanded payoffs for contracts
Bribed Immigrants with jobs turkeys and coal in exchange for votes Gave jobs to friends Took kickbacks from the jobs they awarded and overpaid for services to pad their pockets
