spoils system: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Political/Historical
Quick answer
What does “spoils system” mean?
A practice where a victorious political party gives government jobs and favours to its supporters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A practice where a victorious political party gives government jobs and favours to its supporters.
The systematic practice of a winning political faction or leader appointing loyalists and campaign workers to public offices, replacing officeholders from a previous administration. The term is also used metaphorically in business and other organizations to describe the practice of replacing staff after a change in leadership.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is most strongly associated with American political history (especially the Andrew Jackson administration). In British contexts, similar practices might be described with terms like 'patronage' or 'cronyism', but the specific term 'spoils system' is used when discussing American politics or as a comparative political concept.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties, but more historically specific and vivid in American English.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English, particularly in historical, political science, and civics education contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spoils system” in a Sentence
The [administration/party] operated on a spoils system.The practice known as the spoils system was [criticized/defended].[Reform/legislation] sought to end the spoils system.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spoils system” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister was accused of attempting to spoils-system the department.
- They sought to spoils-system the civil service.
American English
- The administration moved to spoils-system the federal agencies.
- He promised not to spoils-system the government after his election.
adjective
British English
- A spoils-system approach to governance is outdated.
- The spoils-system mentality persisted for decades.
American English
- The spoils-system politics of the 19th century were notorious.
- He rejected the spoils-system model of appointments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The new CEO implemented a corporate spoils system, replacing all the VPs with his former colleagues.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, and public administration to describe a specific model of public sector employment and its reform.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in political commentary or historical discussion.
Technical
A specific term in political history and administrative theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spoils system”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spoils system”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spoils system”
- Using 'spoils system' to refer to any corrupt system (it's specifically about appointments).
- Misspelling as 'spoiled system'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They spoils-systemed the government' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its original, unrestrained form, it has been largely outlawed or severely restricted in many democracies by civil service laws. However, elements of political appointment for senior positions remain common.
The term is attributed to New York Senator William L. Marcy, who said in 1832, 'To the victor belong the spoils of the enemy.'
While modern civil service laws protect most government jobs, a 'spoils system' still operates at the highest levels (e.g., cabinet and ambassador posts) and is often a point of debate regarding political appointees in government agencies.
The merit system or civil service system, where government employees are hired and promoted based on competitive examinations and proven ability, not political affiliation.
A practice where a victorious political party gives government jobs and favours to its supporters.
Spoils system is usually formal, academic, political/historical in register.
Spoils system: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɔɪlz ˌsɪstəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɔɪlz ˌsɪstəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To the victor belong the spoils. (Origin phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a party 'spoiling' the government by giving all the good 'spoils' (jobs) to their friends.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS WAR (the 'spoils' are the plunder taken after victory). GOVERNMENT JOBS ARE BOOTY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a spoils system?