Political patronage refers to the practice of giving government jobs and contracts to political supporters or allies in exchange for their loyalty and assistance. This system can help build political coalitions by rewarding individuals who contribute to a campaign. However, it raises ethical concerns about corruption and the potential for misallocation of resources, as positions may be filled based on political loyalty rather than merit. While patronage has historical significance in many political systems, movements toward meritocracy and civil service reform aim to limit its influence in modern governance.