The “spoils system” of the 19th century filled the government with party loyalists and increased corruption across the country, until a popular political movement created appetite for reform.

The peak of the spoils system came under James Buchanan, who served from 1857 to 1861. He replaced virtually every federal worker at the end of their “rotation.” ...

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, on the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on March 4. Photo by Matias J. Ocner [email protected] “A spoil system ...