BELLRINGER Answer in Canvas Corruption (noun): inducement to do wrong by improper or unlawful means Examine these three scenarios below and determine whether or not you believe them to be examples of corruption. Justify your responses. A person elected to political office gives a job to his close friend that he highly trusts. He does this even though there are other, more qualified candidates who have applied for the position. A person elected to political office gives a job to somebody he hardly knows, but who heavily supported him during his election campaign, including donating large amounts of money. A person elected to political office gives a job to a close friend that is struggling to find work, even though the person is not at all qualified for the job.

WHAT DID MARK TWAIN MEAN WHEN HE REFERRED TO THIS ERA OF THE UNITED STATES AS A GILDED AGE?

Problems in the White House Throughout the 1800s, government jobs were often given to supporters of the winning party in an election. This is known as PATRONAGE or THE SPOILS SYSTEM. In 1881, President James Garfield attempts to end this system. Some people like it, others don’t.

STALWARTS and HALFBREEDS People who supported the Spoils System were known as STALWARTS. People who wanted to reform the system (mainly Republicans) were known as HALFBREEDS.

PENDLETON ACT The Spoils System gets out of hand when a crazed STALWART kills President Garfield (HALFBREED) in hopes that new President Chester ARTHUR (stalwart) will get him a job. In response, Congress passes the PENDLETON ACT, which made the hiring of many government jobs based on MERIT, not PATRONAGE.

EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF THE CONGRESSIONAL DECISION TO PASS THE PENDLETON ACT WAS IT A GOOD THING OR BAD THING, IN YOUR OPINION? Explain your answer

Garfield and Arthur

REPUBLICANS and DEMOCRATS During this time, the power of Democrats and Republicans were almost equal. REPUBLICANS had support in New England and the Midwest (big business and farmers). DEMOCRATS had support in the South and in big cities. Presidential elections were close during this time.

Election of 1884 Democrats nominate GROVER CLEVELAND Republicans nominate JAMES G. BLAINE Cleveland wins because many Republican reformers, known as MUGWUMPS, disliked Blaine and voted for Cleveland. Cleveland wins a close race.

Grover Cleveland

INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION Some people believe that the RAILROADS are giving preferential treatment to big businesses. These businesses (like Standard Oil) got lower rates and REBATES (partial refunds). In Wabash v. Illinois, the Supreme Court says only the FEDERAL gov’t can regulate the RRs. In 1887, Congress passes the INTERSTATE COMMERCE ACT. It limited what rates the railroads could charge Forbade rebates to big businesses Makes it illegal to charge more for shorter routes. It attempts to even the playing field for smaller companies

How does the ICC demonstrate America was transitioning away from Laissez-Faire. Was the ICC a good or bad decision? Explain your answers

McKinley Tariff In Congress, Democrats want to lower the tariff, but Republicans want to keep it high. Republicans got contributions from businessmen who wanted the tariffs high. Due to supporters of high tariffs, Benjamin Harrison is elected president in 1888. Congress passes the McKINLEY TARIFF. It lowers the tariff on some goods, but raises it on others. Turns the nation’s budget SURPLUS into a Budget DEFECIT.

Was the Mckinnely Tariff a good or bad idea? Explain your answer

Benjamin Harrison

“First, for open, competitive examinations for testing the fitness of applicants for the public service now classified or to be classified hereunder. Such examinations shall be practical in their character, and so far as may be shall relate to those matters which will fairly test the relative capacity and fitness of the persons examined to discharge the duties of the service into which they seek to be appointed.”