The practice of granting public office to supporters and friends, regardless of qualification, characterizes a specific form of political patronage. This system involves the victorious political party rewarding its activists and loyal members with government positions, often replacing existing officeholders. An example includes a newly elected president appointing campaign volunteers to ambassadorships or agency leadership roles.
The impact of this practice is multifaceted. Historically, it consolidated party power and encouraged political participation. However, it also led to inefficiency and corruption within government due to unqualified individuals holding important posts. The tenure of Andrew Jackson is often associated with the rise of this practice, though its roots extend earlier in American political history. It served as a tool for building party loyalty and mobilizing voters.