how did Andrew Jackson use the spoils system if you're curious about how Andrew Jackson the seventh president of the United States utilized the spoils system during his presidency you're about to uncover some fascinating history Andrew Jackson's presidency which spanned from 1829 to 1837 was marked by a significant shift in how government positions were filled Jackson introduced the spoil system a practice where he appointed loyal political supporters to government jobs as a reward for their support during his election campaigns this approach was a departure from the traditional merit-based system where appointments were often based on qualifications and experience instead Jackson emphasized loyalty over qualifications believing that this would make the Civil Service more responsive to the people's will during his first term Jackson removed about 20% of federal office holders and replaced them with his supporters this included positions such as District Attorneys Federal Marshals Customs collectors and particularly those in the post office he argued that rotating these offices would prevent nepotism and ensure that the government remained accountable to the people Jackson's The Defenders saw the spoil system as a practical way to reward party Loyalists and build a stronger party organization as Senator William Marsh of New York famously said to the victor belongs the spoils this phrase encapsulated the spirit of the spoil system where the winning party got to distribute government jobs among its supporters the spoils system continued even after Jackson's presidency when Martin Van beran Jackson's vice president and successor won the 1836 presidential election he continued many of Jackson's policies including the spoil system van Beren rewarded his supporters with government positions ensuring Party Loyalty and maintaining the political strength of the democratic party however this system was not without controversy Jackson's opponents criticized the spoil system arguing that it was primarily used to reward supporters rather than appoint qualified individuals many of Jackson's appointees were controversial and some were even poorly regarded by his own allies despite these criticisms the spoil system had a lasting impact on American politics it opened government positions to a broader range of people although it also created political tensions and resistance within Jackson's own Coalition in summary Andrew Jackson used the spoils system to reward his loyal supporters with government jobs emphasizing loyalty over qualifications and changing the nature of political patronage in the United States this practice continued under his successor Martin Van Beren and left a significant mark on American political history history