The dissensus concerning the Muncie Merit Law of 1963

The beginning stage of our Federal Government's development stressed "private enterprise" and "individual initiative". The government employee was considered "second-rate" and not able to hold employment elsewhere. The political "spoils system" was accepted by the people during the administration of President Andrew Jackson. This became the dominant theory of government until after the Civil War. The period following the Civil War until 1883 was filled with reform movements. The Pendleton Act of 1883 was established -to create for the Federal Government a system of employment based on merit. Developments of similiar programs have been adopted by local and state governments. "Civil Service" is a broad term referring to positions in a jurisdiction to which civil service laws and rules apply. The term "merit system" is very often used at the state level of government.Muncie, Indiana now is working with a type of merit organization for the police department. This "Merit Plan" has been in effect since January of 1964 and has been met with dissensus by same members of the Police department. This social change and dissensus during the transitional Period, since January 1964, is the object of this study.