What was the patronage system and how did it dominated national politics in the 1870s and 1880s?

The Patronage System or the Spoils System is a practice where the ruling party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to supporters, friends and family, like some sort of reward. The jobs, aside from a reward, also serves as incentive to support the ruling party. It became popular during the 1829 during the term of President Andrew Jackson. Jackson believed that it will help make the government more efficient. 

the government closely monitored its finances to avoid another financial collapse.