U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

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"To the victor belongs the spoils..." is a phrase associated with which U.S. President?

  1. John Calhoun

  2. Andrew Jackson

  3. James Monroe

  4. Ulysses S. Grant

The correct answer is: Andrew Jackson

The phrase "To the victor belongs the spoils..." is closely associated with Andrew Jackson, who used it to justify his practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs, a practice known as the spoils system. This approach emphasized the idea that winning an election entitled the victor to benefit from the political positions and appointments within the government, thereby incentivizing party loyalty and electoral support. Jackson's presidency (1829-1837) marked a significant shift in American politics, as he implemented this strategy to consolidate power and promote his agenda, which contributed to the development of the modern Democratic Party. This concept played a pivotal role in American political culture, influencing how political patronage operated in subsequent administrations.