A more thorough explanation:

The Civil Service Commission was a federal agency that oversaw the government's personnel system. It was created in 1883 and abolished in 1978. Its responsibilities were transferred to the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Personnel Management.

For example, if someone wanted to work for the government, they would have to go through the Civil Service Commission to be hired. The agency made sure that people were hired based on their qualifications and not because of political connections.

Civil service reform is the use of business principles and methods instead of the spoils system in the conduct of the civil service. This means that contracts and appointments are awarded based on merit and not political connections.

For example, before civil service reform, government jobs were often given to people who were friends or supporters of politicians. This led to corruption and inefficiency. Civil service reform changed this by making sure that people were hired based on their qualifications and not their connections.