The Spoils system is the informal practice where a political party or candidate, after winning an election, gives government jobs to voters as a reward for their support—and as an incentive to keep working for the party. The Spoils system was widespread in the United States before passage of the Pendleton Act in 1883. The term was derived from the phrase “…to the victor belong the spoils…” in a speech by New York Senator William L. Marcy referring to Andrew Jackson’s 1828 presidential victory:
It may be that the politicians of the United States are not so fastidious as some gentlemen are, as to disclosing the principles on which they act. They boldly preach what they practice. When they are contending for victory, they avow the intention of enjoying the fruits of it. If they are defeated, they expect to retire from office—if they are successful, they claim, as a matter of right the advantages of success. They see nothing wrong in the rule, that to the victor belongs the spoils of the enemy.