What is the 'spoil system' and how does it relate to the Trump administration's plans?

The spoil system, originating in the 19th century, is a 'winner take all' approach where a president can fire government employees and replace them with political loyalists without protections. This system was later reformed through efforts by figures like Teddy Roosevelt, who championed clean government and a professional civil service. The transcript indicates the Trump administration's plans to fire officials at the Department of Homeland Security represents a return to this spoil system. This approach abandons the professional civil service model in favor of political loyalty, with potentially significant costs to government agencies and their effectiveness.