What did the Pendleton Act of 1883 establish for public employment?

The Pendleton Act of 1883 was a significant milestone in the evolution of public employment in the United States. It established the principle of merit-based employment for federal government positions. Prior to this Act, the public sector was largely influenced by the spoils system, where jobs were awarded based on political connections or affiliations rather than individual qualifications or competency.

By instituting merit-based hiring practices, the Pendleton Act mandated that job applicants be assessed through competitive examinations. This shift aimed to ensure that those who were qualified and capable filled government roles, ultimately leading to a more efficient and effective bureaucracy. The Act helped to reduce corruption and favoritism in the hiring process, emphasizing the importance of skill, knowledge, and suitability for the job over political loyalty. Thus, the establishment of a meritocratic system was crucial in modernizing public service and upholding standards of professionalism within the federal workforce.