AMSCO AP United States History (APUSH) – Period 6 Practice Exam & Study Guide

James Garfield, who served as president in 1881, is known for being associated with the politics of patronage and corruption that characterized the era. His assassination by Charles Guiteau, an office seeker who believed he deserved a government position, highlighted the intense political tensions surrounding the spoils system. Garfield's administration faced substantial challenges as he sought to reform this system and reduce the influence of corruption in government. His assassination prompted a public outcry that ultimately led to significant civil service reforms, including the Pendleton Act of 1883, which established a merit-based system for federal employment. This event underscored the dire consequences of political corruption and the urgent need for reform during that period.