What was the Pendleton Act and why did it become an act?

The Pendleton Act, enacted in 1883, established a merit-based system for federal employment, aiming to curb the rampant patronage and corruption associated with the spoils system. It created the Civil Service Commission, which implemented competitive exams for government jobs, ensuring that positions were filled based on qualifications rather than political connections. The Act emerged in response to public outcry over government corruption and the assassination of President James A. Garfield by a disgruntled office seeker, highlighting the need for reform in the hiring process for federal employees.