What impact did the spoils system have on american government?

The spoil system is a practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government positions to its supporters, in return for support in the election, and an incentive to continue working for the party, totally in opposition to a system that privileges the merit, having similarities with the patronage.  

The term derives from the phrase of the then senator William L. Marcy, "to the victor the spoils", referring to the victory of Democrat Andrew Jackson in the Election of 1828.  

When Andrew Jackson was elected president, many wealthy Americans held positions in government that until then were considered perpetual - once nominated by the president or Congress, were not replaced until his death or retirement. However, Jackson, after assuming the presidency, removed many of these government officials, replacing them with his followers; several historians believe Jackson has started the spoils system.

the articles of confederation only set up the continental congress at the federal level. there were no executive or judicial branches except within the states. the states were allowed to keep every right that was not specifically given to congress. the bonding of the states was through a 'firm league of friendship' that best served as a defense agreement against invasion. states were not allowed to use taxes as a way to discourage treaties, and states were extremely limited in their dealings with foreign nations.

not many historians today talk about the strengths of the articles of confederation, likely because of how unpopular the document quickly became. the articles did set the legislative body, congress, as the highest power in the nation because of the fear of monarchy. congress had the sole power to declare war, assign treaties, entertain foreign relations, and operate post offices. disputes between states and territorial issues were to be brought to congress. the document also stipulated that canada was allowed to enter the union if they desired.

there were more weaknesses than strengths under the articles of confederation. the lack of power given to the continental congress strangled the federal government. the articles gave congress the power to pass laws but no power to enforce those laws. if a state did not support a federal law, that state could simply ignore it. congress had no power to levy taxes or regulate trade. without a federal court system or executive leader, there would be no way to enforce these laws, either. amending the articles of confederation would also require a unanimous decision, which would be extremely difficult.

the big stick policy was to still look powerful, and be nice at the same time. the big stick policy was also to countries who were at war, find peace with eachother.

the dollar diplomacy was to expand american business and get it to latin america, for that would be good for the economy.

you my friend, your regards.

agubaba khaleekha.