During the 1830s public servants and officials were widely perceived to be unqualified. what practice reinforced that perception?

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You forgot the alternatives. I found them on the web ...
 
A. The public voting for candidates based on religious affiliations
B. The president rewarding political supporters with appointments to desirable positions
C. The federal government recruiting volunteers to serve abroad the ambassadors
D. Legislators awarding government contracts to the lowest bidders
 
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What was happening at the time was a system of patronage. The qualification of individuals was not taken into account, but their party affiliation and contribution to the political campaign of the elect. Thus, the absence of merit caused a deterioration in the state's workforce.
 
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