Which reform law aimed to address the issue of patronage in politics during the late 19th century?

The Pendleton Act of 1881 was a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming the way government jobs were awarded and eliminating the patronage system, commonly referred to as the "spoils system." Before this act, government jobs were often awarded based on political connections and loyalty rather than merit, leading to widespread corruption and inefficiency within the federal government.

The Pendleton Act established a system that required applicants for certain government positions to demonstrate their qualifications through competitive examinations. This shift not only helped to professionalize the civil service but also aimed to reduce political favoritism by ensuring that government employees were selected based on merit. The act marked a critical turning point in American political reform efforts, striving to create a more honest and effective government.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of governance and civil rights rather than patronage. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 focused on eliminating racial discrimination in voting. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 made further reforms to the civil service system but came much later. The Hatch Act of 1939 primarily aimed to restrict political activities of federal employees to maintain a nonpartisan government. Thus, the Pendleton Act stands out as the key legislation specifically targeting the patronage issue during the late