Federal Legislation & Scandal Cartoons

Name       Katelyn Sees                     

Directions: Research your assigned federal law or political scandal, fill out the worksheet by answering the questions, and draw OR find an appropriate political cartoon. 

1.   Name of Legislation/ Scandal     Pendleton Act 1883    

2.   Author of Legislation/ People Involved   sponsored by: George H. Pendleton, written by: Dorman Bridgeman Eaton, supported by: Chester A. Arthur

3.   Political Stance (Type of Republican or Democrat)    George H. Pendleton was a Democrat    

4.   Target Audience (Who benefited or should have benefit?) 

It targeted federal government employees. 

5.   Summary of Legislation/ Scandal

  This law was for federal government jobs. It created a merit system. The act provided a selection of government employees competitive exams, instead of ties to politicians or political affiliation. The Act also made it illegal to fire or demote  political employees for policial reasons. To enforce this law the United States Civil Service Commission was also created.    

6.   Intention (Why was law written or why did the scandal occur?)

The law was served as a response to the huge public support of civil service reform that became such a hit after the assassination of President James Garfield.

7.   Positive effects (Who did it help/benefit?) 

It benefited the federal government jobs.  

8.   Negative effects (Who did it hurt?)  

 It hurt machine politicans within the Republican Party.  Also it hurt the state and local jobs.    

Political Cartoon Title  Setting the Ball A-Rolling   

Political Cartoon Explanation

 The rock (ball) represents the Civil Service Reform. This amendment was part of the Pendleton Act.  The people underneath represent the politicans. The papers flying are their agruements. By this I mean that they thought it was wrong of the Pendleton Act. The act excluded politicans from recieving the merit system which is why they are sadly being rolled over. :(         

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