The presidency
Arthur’s administration approved a merit-based system for some federal jobs and supported modernization of the navy. His record on immigration was more restrictive. He vetoed an initial proposal for a twenty-year exclusion of Chinese laborers but signed a revised ten-year measure. He did not secure his party’s nomination for a full term in 1884.
Before the White House
Fairfield, Vermont
Born October 5, 1829.
Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont, and graduated from Union College. As a New York lawyer, he participated in civil-rights litigation, including the case of Elizabeth Jennings, who challenged exclusion from a streetcar. He later became deeply involved in Republican politics and served as collector of the Port of New York.
Key moments
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Born in Fairfield, Vermont
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Became president after Garfield's death.
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Signed the Pendleton Civil Service Act.
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Approved new steel ships for the Navy.
Notable laws & actions
These entries distinguish laws, treaties, executive decisions, and proposals. Congress passes statutes; presidents sign or veto them. A president does not act alone.
Pendleton Civil Service Act
Introduced competitive examinations and protections against certain political pressures for designated federal positions.
Chinese Exclusion Act
Restricted Chinese labor immigration for ten years and barred Chinese immigrants from naturalization, establishing a major discriminatory federal immigration policy.
Naval construction legislation
Authorized new steel warships that helped launch the rebuilding of the United States Navy.
Legacy
Arthur’s support for the Pendleton Act is a lasting example of reform by a leader closely connected to the system being changed. Naval modernization also helped lay the foundation for a different American role overseas.
Miller Center · Biography & facts ↗
Controversies
He signed the Chinese Exclusion Act.
In their words
“Experience has shown that the trade of the East is the key to national wealth and influence.”Veto Message of Chinese Exclusion Act · Quoted by the Miller Center ↗
This excerpt comes from Arthur’s veto of an initial exclusion bill. He later signed a revised Chinese Exclusion Act.
Short excerpt; wording and capitalization follow the cited source.
Look closer
View image source record ↗
Reading a portrait
Look at the clothing, pose, expression, and background. What impression of leadership does this image create?
A portrait represents one moment and one choice of presentation. Compare its message with the decisions described in this biography.
Test your knowledge
Try answering before opening each explanation.
Where was Chester A. Arthur born?
Fairfield, Vermont.
When did this president serve?
1881–1885.
What is one law or action associated with this presidency?
Pendleton Civil Service Act. Introduced competitive examinations and protections against certain political pressures for designated federal positions.
What is one lasting part of this president’s legacy?
Arthur’s support for the Pendleton Act is a lasting example of reform by a leader closely connected to the system being changed. Naval modernization also helped lay the foundation for a different American role overseas.
Sources & further reading
The linked biographies support the life history and policy summaries above. Quotations and image credits have their own source links.
- Miller Center · Biography & facts
- Miller Center · Early life
- Miller Center · Domestic affairs
- Miller Center · Foreign affairs
- Miller Center · Life in brief
- Portrait source record
Prepared September 23, 2026.