IV.

Reform

The evils of the system aroused protests and inspired reformers to propose corrective measures. During the latter part of the 19th century the scope of political patronage gradually decreased as a result of four principal factors: the institution and growth of the civil service or merit system of making appointment to positions in government service, which began in the federal service after the passage of the Pendleton Act in 1883; the institution by several hundred local communities of the council-manager form of municipal government, which had the effect of strengthening and extending the merit system; the increasing tendency toward the professionalization of public service; and the emancipation of municipal school systems from political control. The spoils system, however, could not be completely eliminated; it is still in effect in some states, counties, and municipalities. See also Civil Service.