Presidential Biographies | Arthur Administration - Changes in the U.S. Government

Changes in the U.S. Government

The most significant change in government during the Arthur administration was the passage of the Pendleton Act in 1883, which established the precedent for the modern civil service system (See also, Domestic Issues).

Arthur's administration also upgraded the military arm of government by making improvements to the military. The Naval War College was established in Newport, Rhode Island, and a new naval advisory board was created to direct the growth of the naval system. And in 1883 Arthur signed a bill authorizing the building of the nation's first three steel-plated ships, which would replace wooden vessels.

Finally, on May 17, 1884, Congress passed a law establishing a territorial government in Alaska.