Lesson 1.03 Politics of the Gilded Age

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Chester A. Arthur            Grover Cleveland

Gilded Age Politics

The political scene of the late 1800s was marred by scandal, corruption, and political patronage. The granting of government jobs to friends and supporters and the awarding of bribes for votes tainted all levels of government. It wasn't until the tragic assassination of President Garfield by a disgruntled former campaign worker that a sincere effort was made to clean up the system.

In 1883, the passage of the Pendleton Act instituted a merit-based system for employees in the federal government. Despite its success, the Pendleton Act did not affect conditions at the state and local levels. Political machines remained free to buy votes and control local politics for years to come.

Learn more about the politics duing the Gilded Age:

Gilded Age Scandal and Corruption

Photograph Citations:

Chester A. Arthur (1830-1886). IRC 2005. Image. Discovery Education. Web. 30 January 2014. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>.

Grover Cleveland, the 22nd President of the United States. IRC,  2005. Image. Discovery Education. Web. 30 January 2014. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>.