ARTIST: Thomas Nast
PUBLISHER: Published by Harper's Weekly. August 7, 1886.
MEDIUM: Engraving,
DATE: 1886.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 10 3/8 x 8 7/8" (26.3 x 22.5 cm).
DESCRIPTION: Columbia, the embodiment of America, stands guard with her sword of 'Civil Service Reform." Before her are the Republicans (tiger) and the Democrats (vulture).who have entered the government through the spoils system. <br><br> The spoils system was a originally created by Andrew Jackson to thwart corruption, but the change was not fool proof and by the time the 1870s rolled around the people were calling for reform once more. Under the system presidents were allowed to fire all of their predecessors workers and replace them with their own, so they had supports in certain political positions. Reform wouldn't come until 1883, when the Pendleton Act was passed. One of the changes brought about by the Act was the demand for exams. If an individual wanted a political position, they had to prove that they deserved it. No longer could the president give a position away as a reward for loyalty and donations. It also prevented the new president from firing his predecessors staff without proper reason. Several other changes were made by the Act to thwart the corruption caused by the spoils system.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Good condition. Perforated library stamp in right margin.
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