1. Protester

thingiverse

As an antiques appraiser delving into this artifact's history, I uncover a rich narrative tied to one of America's most pivotal presidents. The associated president is Chester A. Arthur, who wielded significant power through his enactment of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883. This groundbreaking legislation introduced a merit-based system for government positions, revolutionizing how jobs were allocated within the federal government. The artifact itself is a 3D printed model created by a student in Ms. Relator's US Government class at Dominion HS in Virginia. It depicts a protester from the early 1880s, advocating for an end to the spoils system through a sign that reads "End the spoils system!" The figure represents a cry against unfair government job allocation practices, which sparked widespread protests and ultimately led to a significant shift in how positions were filled. As Chief Legislator, President Arthur played a crucial role in shaping America's governance structure. His passage of the Pendleton Act marked a turning point in history, ensuring that federal jobs would be awarded based on merit rather than patronage. This reform had far-reaching implications for American society and continues to influence government hiring practices today. According to historical records, President Arthur's presidency from 1881 to 1885 was characterized by significant legislative achievements, including the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. His leadership paved the way for a more equitable system, where qualifications and skills would take precedence over political connections. The artifact serves as a powerful reminder of this pivotal moment in American history. In the words of the student who created this artifact, "I chose this President and artifact because without his creation of the act, many of the jobs in our government today could not be accessible to all." This sentiment underscores the profound impact of Arthur's legacy on American society. The spoils system, which had been a contentious issue for decades, was eventually dismantled due to widespread protests like the one depicted in this artifact. Sources: * Civil Service Reform. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://whatsupmrflynn.weebly.com/civil-service-reform.html * Chester A. Arthur in the U.S. Census Records. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.archives.gov/research/census/presidents/arthur.html