There can be no complete and permanent reform of the civil service until public opinion emancipates congressmen from all control and influence over government patronage. Legislation is required to establish the reform. No proper legislation is to be expected as long as members of Congress are engaged in procuring offices for their constituents.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Civil service reform requires public opinion to free Congress from patronage influence and new laws to enforce it.
- In plain terms
- Reform needs public pressure on Congress and new laws to stop patronage.
- What can you take from it?
- Patronage blocks reform until public opinion and laws change.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does patronage affect government?
- What stops civil service reform?
Another view
Congress members may resist losing control over appointments.
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