James Abram Garfield

Birth-Death: (1831 - 1881 ) Term: (1881-1881 )

James A. Garfield used his office to quickly attack corruption in government. He wanted to bring back some respect for the United States government, excercising his power as the Executive of the United States.

Domestic Events of James Garfield

    Governmental corruption was great during the Reconstruction Era. The Spoils System that was initially advocated by Andrew Jackson was in full swing. The Republican party experienced a mild split into the "stalwarts" and the "half breeds." The stalwarts believed in the spoils system, while the half breeds debated the morals in government. During the 1880 convention, the Republicans nominated James A. Garfield, a half-breed, for president, and Chester A. Arthur, a stalwart, for vice-president to balance their ticket.

    Only a few months after his election. James Garfield was shot by Julius Guiteau, a mentally unstable and disappointed government job seeker. This violent turn of events changed the stalwart vice-president and the Pendelton Act was passed during Arthur's presidency.