News Release

OPM Celebrates the 120th Anniversary of the Pendleton Act

Washington, D.C. - During a ceremony at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the Pendleton Act was celebrated for its important role in ending the "spoils system" which allowed people to secure federal jobs because of who they knew.

"The Pendleton Act is the landmark reform legislation known as the Civil Service Act of 1883, and its remarkably timeless principles of merit-based service have served our nation well during times of war and peace," said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "Like our nation itself, the civil service is the embodiment of American ideals."

President Bush sent greetings via James, saying that, "By introducing a merit-based system of employment, the Civil Service Act ushered in a new era of opportunity in federal service. This landmark legislation helped to ensure that hard-working, talented individuals could contribute to our government based on their skills and abilities, regardless of their background. Today, our nation remains grateful for the men and women who devote their lives to federal service. These dedicated citizens strengthen our country by working to support an effective government that is serving the needs of the American people. As we celebrate this important milestone, I commend all federal employees who are working to uphold a standard of excellence in our government. Your hard work and commitment reflect the true character of America."

In addition to James' strong words of pride in what the Pendleton Act created, she also presented the newest edition of Biography of an Ideal, a book that details the history and role of the Civil Service system.

"Sometimes we become so caught up in the present that we lose sight of how we got here and why our role is so vital to the nation we serve," said James. "So we need reminders like this to help show us that our agency has a proud history… a history still very much in the making. It has been prepared by those who have been given the honor and privilege of protecting and administering our merit-based system, first at the Civil Service Commission and now at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management."

The first edition of Ideal was issued in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Pendleton Act, and was updated in 1973. Topics detailed in today's version includes important chapters which memorialize the critical developments in the civil service of the last three decades - from the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 to the passage of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

In closing, James said: "Ahead we face great challenges. With history to light our path, we will continue to perfect our ideal and create an even better, fairer system founded on the merit principles… a system that will attract and motivate the best and the brightest of the rising generation to heed the call to public service. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead as we write the next exciting chapter in our ongoing history."

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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