The U.S. Civil Service established a merit system for federal government workers with the '''Pendleton Act''' (1883). This ended the "spoils system" (in which political friends and supporters were rewarded with Government positions) for many government jobs.<ref>http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=48</ref> | The U.S. Civil Service established a merit system for federal government workers with the '''Pendleton Act''' (1883). This ended the "spoils system" (in which political friends and supporters were rewarded with Government positions) for many government jobs.<ref>http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=48</ref> |