Which of the following would NOT constitute an example of patronage?
A) a senator from Virginia adding a project for a $3.5 million horse trail in Virginia to a highway bill
B) a senator from New York voting in favor of a law to eliminate earmarks
C) a member of the House helping a senior citizen who lives in his or her district overcome problems with his or her Social Security benefit eligibility
D) a member of the House securing an appointment to one of the military academies for the child of a constituent
E) a member of the House sponsoring a bill to obtain legal status for an undocumented couple whose son had died as a marine in Iraq

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Voting in favor of a law to eliminate earmarks would not constitute an example of patronage, as earmarks are a form of pork barrel spending that often involves exchanging political favors for funding for local projects. The other options all involve using political power or influence to benefit specific individuals or groups in a way that could be seen as patronage.

Which of the Following Would NOT Constitute an Example of Patronage