Question

Civil Service reforms, such as the Pendleton Act, during the Gilded Age
were a response to —
protest from congressional leaders to regulate state governments

Answer 1

Answer:

The Pendleton emerged as a political reaction against the spoils system that was predominant in America at the time.

Explanation:

In the spoils system, government officials were not appointed based on merit, but based on political patronage, that is to say, government officials were appointed in exchange for political support, both ideological and financial.

The spoils system reached a height during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, and this created tensions in the political class.

For this reason, Congress adopted the Pendleton Act in 1883. This act determined that civil servants should be appointed based on merit. It even led to the creation of entry-exams for government officials. Finally, it also prohibited the demotion of government officials because of political reasons.