Spoils system is when one is given a government job by the president because they are a friend/ family member or supporter, while merit system is when they are hired based on their knowledge of politics also how they could help the government. The merit system was instituted to allow the political party in power the opportunity to reward party regulars with government positions.Spoils system yes, most people would consider the spoils system to exist today.  The idea of the spoils system is that people receive government jobs as a reward for party loyalty and their work helping a candidate to get elected.