FAQ About Chester A. Arthur

Chester A. Arthur was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. He assumed office after the assassination of President James Garfield, serving as Vice President under him. Arthur is noted for his efforts in civil service reform, although he initially rose to power as part of the New York political machine.

Chester A. Arthur's most significant accomplishment was his support for the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, which aimed to curb corruption by making government jobs awarded on merit rather than political connections. He also modernized the U.S. Navy and administered a time of economic prosperity.

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, passed in 1883, was a landmark federal law that established that government jobs should be awarded based on merit, as determined by competitive exams, rather than political patronage. This was a significant step towards reducing corruption and professionalizing the civil service.

Chester A. Arthur became President following the assassination of President James Garfield in 1881. As Garfield's Vice President, Arthur was next in the line of succession, and he assumed the presidency on September 20, 1881.

Before becoming President, Chester A. Arthur was a successful lawyer and a political appointee. He served as the Collector of the Port of New York, a position from which he was removed due to allegations of corruption. Arthur was also known for his involvement in the Republican political machine.

Yes, Chester A. Arthur served as Vice President under President James Garfield. He took office on March 4, 1881, and became President later that year after Garfield's assassination.

Chester A. Arthur was a member of the Republican Party. During his presidency, he became renowned for supporting reforms that were contrary to the patronage politics often associated with his party at the time.

Chester A. Arthur played a pivotal role in advancing civil service reform. He championed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which established the principle of federal employment based on merit rather than political patronage, leading to a more professional and less corrupt federal workforce.

Yes, Chester A. Arthur served in the New York state militia during the American Civil War. Although he did not see combat, his role was to help organize supplies and logistics for the Union Army, a position that showcased his administrative skills.

Chester A. Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, which was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States. This act reflected the anti-Chinese sentiment of the time and marked a shift in U.S. immigration policy.

Chester A. Arthur is often remembered for his contributions to civil service reform and his transformation from a product of the political machine to a proponent of merit-based government appointments. His presidency is sometimes overlooked, but he is credited with leaving a legacy of integrity in public service.

Chester A. Arthur did not actively pursue a second term. Although he briefly sought the Republican nomination in 1884, his poor health and lack of strong party support led him not to receive the nomination.

During his presidency, Chester A. Arthur suffered from Bright's disease, a historical term for a range of kidney ailments. His health declined significantly towards the end of his presidency, which affected his decision not to seek reelection.

Chester A. Arthur played a significant role in modernizing the U.S. Navy. He advocated for the construction of new, steel-hulled ships, helping transition the navy from wooden vessels to more modern ships, thereby increasing its military strength.

Initially a beneficiary of the "Spoils System," Chester A. Arthur became a reformer who worked to dismantle it. His support for civil service reform through the Pendleton Act marked a shift away from the practice of awarding government jobs based on political connections.

Chester A. Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, United States. His birthplace has often been the subject of political speculation, but evidence supports his American birth.

Chester A. Arthur was closely aligned with the political machine led by Senator Roscoe Conkling in New York, known as the Stalwarts. However, upon becoming President, he distanced himself from the machine's more corrupt practices and embraced civil service reform.

Chester A. Arthur vetoed the first version of the Chinese Exclusion Act, believing its 20-year ban was too harsh and violated a treaty with China. He later signed a modified version with a 10-year ban, which Congress passed in 1882.

Chester A. Arthur passed away on November 18, 1886, in New York City. His death was due to complications from Bright's disease, a kidney ailment he suffered from during and after his presidency.