over time, the spoils system developed into a\nmerit - based system.\npolitical reform movement.\npolitical…

Brief Explanations:

The spoils system, where political supporters are rewarded with government jobs, often evolved into a political - machine system. Political machines used patronage and the spoils system to gain and maintain power. It is not a merit - based system (which rewards based on ability), a political reform movement (it was often the target of reform), or a civil service movement (which aimed to create a non - partisan, merit - based civil service).

Answer:

C. political machine system