QQuestionHistory
QuestionHistory
"Select ALL the correct answers.
Which three statements are correct about the Pendleton Act?
It covered 15 percent of civil service appointments.
There was strong support for it in Congress.
It required people to pass a test proving their competence.
It is an early example of government reform.
Most Gilded Age presidents supported its goals."
about 1 year agoReport content
Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1:: Identify the correct statements about the Pendleton Act.
The Pendleton Act, also known as the Civil Service Reform Act, was a significant piece of legislation passed in 1883 during the Gilded Age. It aimed to reform the civil service by introducing a merit-based system for appointments and promotions. Here are the correct statements:
Step 2:: Analyze Statement 1 - "It covered 15 percent of civil service appointments."
This statement is correct. The Pendleton Act initially applied to only 10 percent of federal jobs, which was later increased to 15 percent. These positions were to be filled based on merit, rather than political connections or patronage.
Step 3:: Analyze Statement 2 - "There was strong support for it in Congress."
This statement is generally true. The Pendleton Act was supported by a coalition of reformers, including President Chester A. Arthur, who had previously been a critic of the spoils system. However, it's important to note that there was also opposition to the act, primarily from those who benefited from the existing patronage system.
Step 4:: Analyze Statement 3 - "It required people to pass a test proving their competence."
This statement is true. The Pendleton Act established a civil service commission to oversee the new merit-based system. Applicants for government jobs were required to take a competitive examination to demonstrate their competence and qualifications for the positions.
Step 5:: Analyze Statement 4 - "It is an early example of government reform."
This statement is true. The Pendleton Act was a landmark piece of legislation that marked a significant shift in the way government jobs were filled. It represented a move towards a more professional, merit-based civil service and away from the spoils system that had been prevalent in the United States.
Step 6:: Analyze Statement 5 - "Most Gilded Age presidents supported its goals."
This statement is partially true. While some presidents, like Chester A. Arthur, supported the goals of the Pendleton Act, others did not. For example, President Grover Cleveland, who served two non-consecutive terms during the Gilded Age, was a critic of the act and believed in the spoils system.
Final Answer
- It covered 15 percent of civil service appointments. - There was strong support for it in Congress. - It required people to pass a test proving their competence. - It is an early example of government reform. Most Gilded Age presidents did not support its goals, but some, like Chester A. Arthur, did.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students