Before 1883, how were federal government jobs awarded? a. Jobs were awarded through a lottery system. b. Jobs were awarded based on applicants' expertise. c. Jobs were awarded based on applicants' performance on entrance exams. d. Jobs were awarded based on applicants' loyalty to the party in power.

D. Jobs were awarded based on applicants' loyalty to the party in power.

Explanation:

During this time in the early 18's when the American politics was really hot with everyone trying to find his way in power and being favoured amongst the top officials, it led to this form of contract awarding which makes a contractor been given jobs to do according to his political party.

During the colonial years, it was not uncommon to fill public offices with those who paid for them. This experience, along with dislike of the British colonial bureaucracy, gave ample basis for the leaders of the new republic to distrust public employees. During his two terms as president, George Washington insisted on "fitness of character" as the prime qualification to hold a government job. This standard, it was hoped, would create a "patrician" civil service that would avoid what many saw as the pitfalls of democracy. Removals from office were rare.