What was the primary method for appointing federal employees before the Civil Service Act of 1883?

The primary method for appointing federal employees before the Civil Service Act of 1883 was political patronage. This system allowed elected officials to fill government positions based on political connections rather than qualifications or merit. Under this approach, individuals would often be appointed to federal roles as rewards for party loyalty or support in elections, leading to a patronage system where jobs were given to friends, relatives, and political allies of those in power. This method often resulted in inefficiency and a lack of accountability within government agencies, as many employees lacked the necessary skills or training for their positions.

In contrast, the Civil Service Act introduced a merit-based selection system, aiming to create a more professional and efficient government workforce, removing political influences from the hiring process. Merit-based selection focuses on the qualifications and abilities of candidates, promoting fairness and competency in public service roles. Other options like random selection do not reflect the historical context of employee appointment methods at that time. Thus, political patronage is recognized as the correct answer due to its prevalence in pre-Civil Service Act federal appointments.