Andrew Jackson
...ms and Henry Clay. During his term as president the quote “to the victors belong the spoils of the enemy”, referred to the men in federal office. This quote was a speech given by Senator of New York William L Marcy, a friend of Andrew Jackson’s.1) The speech was in regard to the spoil system that was used during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Andrew Jackson used the spoil system to get rid of wealthy federal officials in office that in Andrew Jackson’s eyes where creating a monopoly. 1 Cole Donald B. “The Presidency of Andrew Jackson”, Univ Pr. Of Kansas “1993”: (321-322). (Schneidinger2) (They shall not be disappointed; but it must be judiciously done, and upon principle.2) (The Spoil System is the practice of giving public office as political rewards for party services.3) Many feel this is unjustifiable when leaders dismiss able persons to make room for supporters of that party. Thomas Jefferson also used the technique of the spoil system. Thomas Jefferson a Democratic Republican would not appoint any Federalist to office. In the 1840s the spoil system was wildly used in Federal, State and Local governments. In 1883 a civil service law made it illegal to fill some federal offices by the use of the spoil system. Since then federal civil service legislation has been greatly expanded. Many cities and states also have also made education and experience the basis of appointment...