What legislative action was taken in the late 19th century to establish standards for public service and promote ethical governance?

Civil service reform was a critical legislative action taken in the late 19th century aimed at establishing standards for public service and promoting ethical governance. This movement arose in response to widespread corruption and the patronage system that characterized political appointments at the time. The public became increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of nepotism and favoritism in government roles, leading to calls for a more merit-based system.

One of the key outcomes of civil service reform was the Pendleton Act of 1883, which aimed to implement a meritocratic system for federal employment. The act established a Civil Service Commission to oversee the selection process for government jobs, ensuring that positions were filled based on qualifications and performance rather than political connections. This shift played a significant role in reducing corruption and improving the efficiency and integrity of government operations.

In contrast, the other legislative actions mentioned, such as the Taft-Hartley Act, the New Deal, and the Voting Rights Act, focused on different issues. The Taft-Hartley Act dealt with labor relations, the New Deal encompassed a series of programs aimed at economic recovery during the Great Depression, and the Voting Rights Act addressed voting discrimination in the 1960s. None of these initiatives directly targeted the ethical governance and public service