The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was enacted in 1883 to address corruption in the federal hiring process. Prior to this law, many government jobs were filled based on political connections rather than merit. The Act established a system where positions would be awarded based on competitive exams, promoting fairness and efficiency in government employment. This legislation marked a significant shift towards a professional civil service, reducing the influence of political patronage. It also led to the creation of the United States Civil Service Commission, which oversees the implementation of merit-based hiring practices and ensures that government employees are selected based on their qualifications.