spoils system

[keitra]

what is a spoils system?

[Quizmonster]

'Spoils' as a plural noun generally means the goods and plunder that a victor takes from the defeated enemy. The phrase 'spoils system' is used - generally in the USA - to mean the practice of appointing supporters of the winning political party to non-elected public positions. Thus, if you work hard for the party, you might well get the 'goodies' after they win power. "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours", as the old proverb says.