The Era of “Gentlemen,” 1789 – 1827

• Limited to the “gentry”

• Nepotism

• Patronage

The “Spoils Era,” 1827 – 1883

• Andrew Jackson and populist politics

• Full blown patronage

• Strong executive leadership

• The Pendleton Act of 1883

The New Civil Service System, 1883-1978

• Corruption incompatible with government efficiency

• Separation of politics and administration in keeping with Frederick Taylor’s theories of scientific management

• Expansion of the merit system

• American Society for Public Administration founded in 1939

• Federal Service Entrance Exam established in 1955

The Reformed Civil Service System, 1978 – Present