spoils system

[/spɔɪlz ˈsɪstəm/]
nounpl: spoils systems
sistema de despojos; sistema de distribuição de cargos públicos como recompensa política
1. A political practice where a winning political party distributes government jobs and other benefits to its supporters and allies as rewards for their loyalty and campaign work, regardless of merit or qualifications
The spoils system was prevalent in 19th-century American politics, where victorious candidates would replace government employees with party loyalists.
O sistema de despojos era prevalente na política americana do século XIX, onde candidatos vitoriosos substituíam funcionários públicos por leais ao partido.
2. The practice of regarding government positions as prizes to be distributed among political party members after an election victory
Critics argue that the spoils system undermines government efficiency and promotes corruption.
Críticos argumentam que o sistema de despojos prejudica a eficiência governamental e promove corrupção.
The spoils system was a defining characteristic of American politics from Andrew Jackson's presidency (1829) through the late 19th century. It was eventually reformed through civil service legislation like the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883. In Brazil, similar practices of political patronage and clientelism (clientelismo político) remain more prevalent in contemporary politics and are often discussed in debates about institutional reform and anti-corruption measures.
NYC Slang
graft; pay-to-play scheme
Synonyms / Sinônimos
patronage systempolitical patronagecronyismnepotism
Antonyms / Antônimos
civil service reformmerit-based systemmeritocracy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sistema de despojos; sistema de distribuição política de cargos
Standard translation used in political science contexts
Brazil
clientelismo político; troca de favores
More commonly used contemporary terms for similar practices in Brazilian politics
Portugal
sistema de distribuição de cargos públicos por favor político
Formal historical reference to similar practices
United States
spoils system
Primarily a historical term associated with 19th-century American politics

Related Words

patronagepolitical appointmentcivil servicepolitical machinecorruption

Related Idioms & Phrases

to the victor belong the spoils
spoils of victory
spoils of war
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