What political reform efforts did hays Garfield and Arthur undertake?

Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, and Chester A. Arthur each championed civil service reform to combat the pervasive patronage system. Hayes initiated efforts to curtail patronage and promote merit-based appointments, while Garfield advocated for reform but was assassinated before he could fully implement his plans. Arthur, initially seen as a product of the patronage system, surprisingly supported the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which established a merit-based system for federal employment. Collectively, their efforts laid the groundwork for modern civil service practices in the United States.