Which act established a merit-based civil service system to reform government hiring?

• A. Civil Service Reform
• B. Sherman Antitrust Act
• C. Pendleton Civil Service Act
• D. Hatch Act

Answer: (C)

This question is about a law that moved federal hiring toward merit rather than political connections. The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883 established a merit-based system by creating competitive exams for many federal jobs and setting up the Civil Service Commission to oversee appointments. It was a response to widespread patronage and corruption under the spoils system, and it followed calls for reform after public outrage over political favoritism and the assassination of President James Garfield by an office seeker. Over time, the act reduced patronage and professionalized the federal workforce. The other options refer to different aims: the Hatch Act restricts political activities of employees, the Sherman Antitrust Act targets monopolies, and a general phrase like Civil Service Reform is not a specific statute.