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 on political corruption. This period saw widespread dissatisfaction with the patronage system, where government jobs were often awarded based on political connections rather than merit. The rampant corruption was highlighted by the assassination of President James A. Garfield by a disgruntled office seeker in 1881, which brought national attention to the need for reform.

The subsequent push for civil service reforms aimed to create a more efficient and impartial government job system, culminating in the Pendleton Act of 1883, which established that positions within the federal government should be earned based on competitive exams rather than political favoritism. This act marked a significant step toward reducing corruption and ensuring that government employees were qualified for their positions, thereby increasing the integrity of public office.