Background
Governor Hiram Johnson established California's first Civil Service Commission (Stats. 1913, ch. 590, p. 1035) as a reform measure aimed at promoting employee efficiency and ending the widespread spoils system
in the public sector. The spoils system, a commonly practiced form of political favoritism, involved the giving of jobs in
local and state government based on party loyalty, friendship, and nepotism rather than on qualification and experience.
Restrictions
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.