Dates in Office: 1881
Important Information:
- He was elected President after serving 9 consecutive terms in the House of Representatives.
- His presidency lasted only 200 days, he died because he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau. He served the second shortest term in office.
- He accomplished a "controversial resurgence" of Presidential authority over the Senatorial courtesy.
- Garfield also gave power to the U.S. Navy and cleared corruption from the U.S. Post Office.
- President Garfield appointed several African Americans to high federal positions.
- He encouraged civil rights for African Americans.
- He proposed civil service reform, the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law by his successor Chester A. Arthur.
- Garfield also supported bi-metal monetary systems and agricultural technology.