spoils system

American  

noun

1. the system or practice in which public offices with their emoluments and advantages are at the disposal of the victorious party for its own purposes.

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spoils system British  

noun

1. the practice of filling appointive public offices with friends and supporters of the ruling political party Compare merit system

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spoils system Cultural  

1. The practice of appointing applicants to public offices as a reward for their loyalty to the political party in power. The term comes from a statement by a senator in the 1830s: “To the victor belong the spoils.” Reform of the system commenced in the 1880s with the introduction of merit as the basis of appointment to office. (See James A. Garfield, machine politics, and patronage.)

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Etymology

Origin of spoils system

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Carter’s administration instituted the most sweeping reforms of the civil service since 1883’s Pendleton Act, which replaced the spoils system and created a professional, merit-based system.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

Seventeen months later, President Chester A. Arthur signed the Pendleton Act, which replaced the spoils system with a civil service.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2024

But the spoils system era was at least characterized by peaceful transitions of power.

From Slate • Jul. 27, 2022

Since the end of the spoils system in 1883, administrations have established an excepted service schedule only five times.

From Washington Post • Jul. 26, 2022

Many people were tired of the spoils system that rewarded corrupt politicians.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow