Which period in American history is MOST associated with a movement to replace patronage with a merit-based civil service system?

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The late nineteenth century is most associated with the movement to replace patronage with a merit-based civil service system. This period is commonly referred to as the "Progressive era" and saw the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, which established a merit-based system for federal government employment based on competitive examinations. This was a major departure from the previous system of patronage, which allowed political appointees to receive government jobs based on their loyalty to a particular politician or party.

Which Period in American History Is MOST Associated with a Movement