Before the Civil Service Act of 1883,how were government appointments handled?

A) Appointments were made on the basis of merit.
B) Appointments were made on the basis of seniority.
C) Appointments were made to political supporters as part of a spoils system.
D) Appointments were made by leaders of Congress.

Civil Service Act

Legislation intended to secure a competent, honest, and impartial government workforce, often by means of a merit system.

Spoils System

A practice where a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends, and relatives as a reward for working toward victory, and as an incentive to keep working for the party.