Question

over time, the spoils system developed into the
○ merit - based system.
○ political reform movement.
○ political machine system.
○ civil service movement.

Explanation:

The spoils system, where political supporters were given government jobs, over time evolved into the political machine system. Political machines were organized groups that controlled political parties in cities and used the spoils system - like practices (along with other methods) to maintain power, distribute jobs and favors to supporters. A merit - based system is the opposite of the spoils system (it's based on qualifications). The political reform movement was aimed at changing the spoils system, and the civil service movement was part of the push for merit - based hiring, not what the spoils system developed into.

Answer:

C. political machine system.