I.

Introduction

Spoils System, in the United States, practice of making appointments to public office and of giving employment in the public service on the basis of political affiliation or personal relationship (nepotism) rather than on the fitness or merit of the appointees. It constitutes an extensive form of political patronage. Also included by some authorities in the meaning of spoils system are such practices as favoritism in the award of contracts for public works or other public purposes and the expenditure of public funds to the advantage of favored individuals.