What Was Spoils System. Spoils system definition, the system or practice in which public offices with their emoluments and advantages are at the disposal of the victorious party for its own purposes. In politics and government, a spoils system (also known as a patronage system) is a practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government civil service jobs to its supporters, friends (cronyism), and relatives (nepotism) as a reward for working toward victory, and as an incentive to keep.
What was the spoils system and what replaced it? To the victor goes the spoils. Though it emerged as an effective method of curbing political sabotage and ensured the president’s initiatives were adequately supported, it was criticized for denying people jobs based on their political beliefs.