What issue was the focus of civil service reforms during the late 19th century?

The focus of civil service reforms during the late 19th century was primarily on political corruption. This period, particularly after the assassination of President James A. Garfield in 1881 by a disgruntled office seeker, highlighted the pervasive issue of patronage in government. The spoils system allowed elected officials to appoint friends and political allies to government positions, often resulting in corruption and inefficiency.

As a response, reformers pushed for a merit-based system for hiring government employees. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was a significant milestone in these efforts, establishing that positions within the federal government should be awarded based on merit rather than political affiliation. This movement aimed to reduce corruption by ensuring that qualified individuals filled government roles, thereby increasing public trust in government institutions and promoting effective governance.

The other issues listed, such as women's suffrage, tax reform, and labor rights, while important, were not the primary focus of civil service reforms during this specific timeframe. Women's suffrage primarily concerned voting rights and gender equality; tax reform dealt with financial policies and revenue generation; and labor rights focused on the conditions and treatment of workers.