Question

what did chester a. arthur want to prevent by signing the pendleton act authorizing the civil service commission?
monopolies
avoidance of military service
unsafe working conditions
using federal jobs as political rewards

Explanation:

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act established a merit-based system for federal employment. Its core goal was to end the spoils system, where federal jobs were given as political favors/rewards to supporters of winning candidates. The other options relate to different reform efforts: monopolies were targeted by antitrust laws, military service avoidance by conscription policies, and unsafe conditions by labor safety regulations.

Answer:

using federal jobs as political rewards