Spoils System Definition & Meaning

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Now, it's important to distinguish his belief that "to the victor belongs the spoils" in the imperialist context from a "spoils system" in the domestic context, which he also believes in.

From Salon

And a furious Guiteau began stalking the president, a former Civil War general whose problem with the spoils system went well beyond Guiteau.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the end of the spoils system in 1883, administrations have established an excepted service schedule only five times.

From Washington Post

Recognizing the public's disdain for the spoils system, he called for a law regulating civil service jobs within the government.

From Literature

The new agency would be set up as a “patronage-style spoils system,” he wrote.

From Washington Post