Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 52%

Which of the following resulted from the criticisms of corruption and spoils levied at the Grant administration?

Rationale

Grant's approval of the first Civil Service Commission to introduce merit-based advancement.

The establishment of the Civil Service Commission was a direct response to the widespread criticisms of corruption and the spoils system during Grant's presidency. This move aimed to reform the government by ensuring that hiring and promotion were based on merit rather than political connections.

A (Grant's vocal support for the policies of the Radical Republicans in the United States Congress) YOUR ANSWER

While Grant did support the Radical Republicans, this choice does not directly address the corruption criticisms. His backing of their policies was more related to civil rights and reconstruction efforts rather than a specific reform aimed at curbing corruption in government appointments.

B (Grant's signing of the Public Credit Act, which reduced greatbacks in the money supply) YOUR ANSWER

The Public Credit Act dealt primarily with financial matters and the stabilization of the economy, not with addressing corruption in government practices. This choice does not reflect a reform aimed at improving integrity within the civil service.

D (Grant's use of the military to force the establishment of the Compromise of 1877) YOUR ANSWER

This action was primarily a political maneuver to resolve the contentious election of 1876, not a response to corruption criticisms. It does not relate to the reforms aimed at cleaning up the administration's practices.

E (Grant's efforts to enforce civil and voting rights for African Americans in the South) YOUR ANSWER

While these efforts were significant during Grant's administration, they were focused on civil rights rather than directly addressing the issues of corruption and the spoils system that plagued his presidency.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Civil Service Commission under Grant was a pivotal reform that emerged from the urgent need to combat corruption and the spoils system in government. By introducing merit-based advancement, the Commission aimed to professionalize the civil service and restore public trust in the administration. Other choices, while relevant to Grant's presidency, do not address the critical issue of corruption in the same way.

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