What was a common outcome of the spoils system used by political machines?

The spoils system, which was a practice where political leaders would reward their supporters with government positions, generally resulted in unqualified individuals holding government positions. This practice prioritized loyalty and party affiliation over merit or qualifications. Political machines would often appoint friends, family, or loyal party members to various roles within the government, regardless of their experience or skills related to the job. This led to inefficiencies and corruption within governmental operations, as many appointees lacked the necessary expertise to perform their duties effectively. Consequently, the spoils system contributed to a perception of incompetence in government, highlighting the risks associated with placing political loyalty above qualifications in public service.