The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs is known as what?

• A. Patronage
• B. Spoils system
• C. Sunset laws
• D. Rider

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the idea of rewarding political supporters with government jobs, which is the spoils system. This term describes how, after winning an election, a party fills government positions with loyal supporters rather than hiring based on merit. It reflects a broader pattern called patronage, but the spoils system specifically highlights the post-election distribution of offices to allies. This practice helped spur civil service reform, notably the move toward merit-based hiring through acts like the Pendleton Act. The other terms listed aren’t about this practice—sunset laws set expiration dates for laws, and a rider is an extra provision attached to a bill.