Why did Chester A Arthur sign the act?

Chester A. Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883 to address widespread corruption in the federal government and to implement merit-based hiring practices for civil service positions. The act aimed to reduce the influence of political patronage, ensuring that government jobs were awarded based on qualifications rather than political connections. Arthur, initially associated with the patronage system, recognized the need for reform to improve the efficiency and integrity of government operations. The act marked a significant step toward modernizing the federal workforce.