Civil service reform in US states is significantly driven by divided government situations. This research demonstrates that reforms often occur when state legislative chambers are split, rather than solely during executive-legislative divides.

Data & Methods: Analysis of 20th-century state-level data reveals a clear pattern: civil service reforms were more likely to emerge in politically fragmented environments.

Key Findings: Contrary to expectations, unified government (when both legislature and governor are from the same party) did not necessarily prevent reform. Instead, internal divisions within the legislative chambers appear particularly influential as a trigger for change.

Why It Matters:

This finding highlights how political fragmentation can paradoxically create conditions ripe for institutional reform—a counterintuitive relationship between gridlock and governance improvement. The results offer fresh insights into understanding policy innovation during periods of divided government.