Introduction
Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, is often remembered as an unexpected reformer who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern civil service system. When he assumed office in 1881, he was seen as a political insider and a product of the infamous spoils system, where government jobs were handed out as political favors.
However,
his presidency witnessed a remarkable transformation as he championed civil
service reform, leading to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform
Act of 1883. This article will explore Chester A. Arthur's unexpected journey
from political insider to civil service reformer, the challenges he faced, and
the lasting impact of his reform efforts.
Chester A. Arthur: From Stalwart to Reformer
Chester
A. Arthur's rise to the presidency was not one that anticipated reform. Born on
October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, he began his career as a lawyer and
later served as an officer in the New York Militia. His entry into politics was
marked by his association with the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party,
led by powerful New York Senator Roscoe Conkling. The Stalwarts were known for
their staunch support of the spoils system, where government jobs were used to
reward political allies and ensure loyalty.
Arthur's
political career thrived in this environment. He was appointed Collector of the
Port of New York in 1871, a prestigious and lucrative position that allowed him
to dispense patronage jobs to political supporters. During his tenure, he amassed
considerable influence and a reputation as a loyal Stalwart. However, his
appointment and the activities within the New York Custom House came under
increasing scrutiny, and accusations of corruption and graft swirled around
him.
The Assassination of President Garfield
The
turning point in Arthur's political career came with the assassination of
President James A. Garfield in July 1881. President Garfield, a moderate
Republican, had been a proponent of civil service reform and had attempted to
curtail the influence of the Stalwarts. His assassination left Vice President
Arthur unexpectedly thrust into the presidency.
While
some expected Arthur to continue the Stalwart tradition, his response to the
tragedy surprised many. Instead of bowing to pressure from his political
allies, he began to distance himself from the Stalwarts and embraced the cause
of civil service reform. He recognized that the spoils system had contributed
to the political patronage and corruption that had plagued American government
for years, and he felt a moral obligation to address it.
Arthur's Transformation
Chester
A. Arthur's transformation into a civil service reformer was a gradual process,
but it was marked by several key decisions and actions during his presidency.
1. Support for Civil Service Reform: Arthur
expressed his support for civil service reform in his inaugural address in
September 1881. He acknowledged the need for reform and called for a more
professional and merit-based civil service system.
2. The Pendleton Act: Arthur's
most significant contribution to civil service reform came with the passage of
the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883. The act, named after Senator
George H. Pendleton, established the United States Civil Service Commission,
which was tasked with implementing a merit-based system for federal employment.
This landmark legislation marked the beginning of the end for the spoils
system.
3. Establishment of the Civil Service Commission: Arthur
appointed three commissioners to oversee the implementation of the Pendleton
Act, ensuring that appointments to federal positions would be based on merit
rather than political connections. This move effectively removed the power of
political bosses to control government jobs.
Challenges and Opposition
Arthur
faced significant challenges and opposition in his quest for civil service
reform. Many Stalwart Republicans viewed him as a traitor to their cause, and
they sought to undermine his reform efforts. Roscoe Conkling, once a close
ally, became one of Arthur's fiercest critics. The Stalwarts argued that civil
service reform would weaken the party's control over patronage and reduce its
ability to reward loyal supporters.
Despite
the internal opposition, Arthur remained steadfast in his commitment to reform.
He understood that the spoils system had led to corruption and inefficiency in
government, and he believed that a professional and merit-based civil service
would benefit the country in the long run.
Legacy of Chester A. Arthur's Civil Service Reform
Chester
A. Arthur's legacy as a civil service reformer is one of the most unexpected
and significant contributions of his presidency. His actions laid the
foundation for a more efficient and accountable federal government.
1. End of the Spoils System: The
Pendleton Act marked the end of the spoils system, and it set the stage for the
establishment of a professional civil service. Government jobs were no longer
handed out as political rewards, and appointments were based on merit and
qualifications.
2. Professionalization of Government: Under
Arthur's leadership, the civil service became more professional and competent.
This shift improved the effectiveness and efficiency of government agencies, as
employees were chosen for their skills and abilities rather than their
political connections.
3. Bipartisan Support: Civil
service reform gained bipartisan support during Arthur's presidency. Even as a
Republican president, he worked with Democrats to pass the Pendleton Act,
demonstrating that reform was not a partisan issue but a matter of good
governance.
4. The Civil Service Commission: The
establishment of the United States Civil Service Commission ensured the
continued enforcement and oversight of civil service reform. The commission's
role was to administer competitive examinations, prevent political interference
in hiring, and investigate violations of the Pendleton Act.
Conclusion
Chester
A. Arthur's journey from a Stalwart politician to a civil service reformer is a
testament to his willingness to put the greater good of the nation above
partisan interests. His presidency witnessed the transformation of the American
civil service system, ending the spoils system and ushering in a new era of
merit-based government employment. While his tenure was initially marked by
skepticism and opposition, Arthur's legacy as a reformer continues to shape the
way the United States selects and employs its public servants today. Chester A.
Arthur may not have been a president who was expected to lead a reform
movement, but history remembers him as a president who did just that, leaving
an enduring legacy of good governance and accountability.
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