What occurs when the concepts of "natural aristocracy" and the spoils system are both put into practice?

Study for the Federal Bureaucracy Test. Prepare with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful hints and detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The combination of "natural aristocracy," which suggests that government should be run by those with inherent talent and ability, and the spoils system, where political victories lead to the appointment of loyalists regardless of their qualifications, can lead to detrimental outcomes within bureaucracies.

When these concepts are practiced together, the spoils system tends to undermine the idea of natural aristocracy by favoring political favoritism over merit-based appointments. As a result, this often results in the placement of unqualified individuals in positions of power, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency. Additionally, the bureaucracy can become bloated, as more personnel are hired based on loyalty rather than expertise, which diminishes efficiency. This combination creates a government structure that is prone to corruption and inefficiency, as roles may be filled by those more interested in maintaining political connections rather than serving the public effectively. Thus, the outcome is a bureaucratic system that struggles with these significant issues.

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