Legal Definitions - political patronage

Definition: Political patronage refers to the power of a political leader to appoint individuals to government positions or to confer other political favors. It involves the giving of support, sponsorship, or protection to individuals in exchange for their loyalty or support.

Examples:

• A newly elected mayor appoints his campaign supporters to key positions in the city government, regardless of their qualifications.
• A governor awards a lucrative government contract to a company owned by a political ally, even though there are other companies that could do the job for less money.

These examples illustrate how political patronage can be used to reward loyalty and support, rather than merit or competence. This can lead to a lack of accountability and transparency in government, as well as the perception of corruption and favoritism.