The patronage system involved which of the following?

The patronage system is fundamentally tied to the idea of rewarding political loyalty with special jobs or privileges. This practice allows political leaders to appoint individuals to government positions based on their support rather than on merit or qualifications. This system creates a network of loyalty where jobs are used as a tool to maintain political power and influence.

Furthermore, the patronage system is also commonly referred to as the "spoils system." This term derives from the phrase “to the victor go the spoils,” implying that those in power have the right to benefit from their success by distributing jobs, contracts, and other benefits to their supporters. Therefore, both aspects—rewarding political loyalty and being synonymous with the spoils system—are central to understanding how the patronage system operates.

Thus, both components are accurate, confirming that the correct choice encompasses both elements of the definition of the patronage system.