When Andrew Jackson became president in 1829, he placed many of his political supporters in government jobs. What is the term used to describe this practice?

Answer: The spoils system

The term "spoils system" was used by President Jackson's political opponents, who took a very negative view of his practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs. The origin of the term, however, came from one of Jackson's supporters. In a speech in the Senate, defending Jackson and his administration, Senator William Marcy of New York said, "To the victors belong the spoils."

Jackson's opponents bristled at that thought and continued to speak against what became known as "the spoils system."