What term describes the practice of giving out government jobs as favors to loyal party workers?

The term that accurately describes the practice of giving government jobs as favors to loyal party workers is patronage. This concept is rooted in political systems where party loyalty and service are rewarded with positions and roles within the government, rather than based on individual merit or qualifications. Patronage can lead to a network of loyal supporters who are granted positions to maintain political power and ensure continued support for the party's agenda.

In contrast, meritocracy refers to a system where positions and responsibilities are granted based on individual talent, effort, and achievement, which is opposite to the idea of patronage. Bureaucracy refers to the structured administrative system that carries out government policies and procedures, while nepotism specifically involves favoritism granted to relatives or close friends, rather than political allies or party loyalists. Thus, the term patronage encapsulates the essence of this practice in the context of government job distribution.