The merit system is the process of promoting and hiring government employees based on their ability to perform a job, rather than on their political connections.
[3] The United States civil service began to run on the spoils system in 1829 when Andrew Jackson became president.
The assassination of United States President James A. Garfield by a disappointed office seeker in 1881 proved its dangers.
[4] In addition the possible exclusion of most competent candidate is outweighed by the system's benefits such as limiting the ability of nepotism and political favoritism.
Thus, in the United States, the merit system has been extensively applied by the voluntary action of the president following self-imposed rules.
It has been judicially determined that the civil-service rules promulgated by the president of the United States do not have the force of general law and confer upon members of the civil service no right to invoke the aid of the courts to protect them against violation thereof.
When merit is truly assessed in the process of hiring or promoting personnel, an honest, effective, and productive workplace is created.
Bottom line, administration is responsible for providing and setting the atmosphere and standards of a workplace that result in success.
[9] The merit system has been criticized that it leads to uncooperative behaviors among employees, creating conflict that can negatively affect productivity.