Benjamin Harrison, who was president from 1889 to 1893, won fewer popular votes than his opponent, so he did not enjoy a clear mandate. Also, there was a public backlash against Republicans during his administration.
Civil service reform was an important issue in late nineteenth-century America, but Harrison's stance on the issue was too ambivalent. His middle course on civil service reform did not placate anyone.
When Harrison became president, the country enjoyed a budget surplus. Many people, especially farmers, thought the Harrison administration was too munificent with soldiers' pensions and business subsidies. Harrison's spending was seen as a waste of money: the public thought he squandered the surplus by spending too much on veterans and businessmen.
Voters were also unhappy with high tariffs. The McKinley Tariff of 1890 raised tariffs—and consumer prices—on a wide variety of products. In 1890, the Democrats capitalized on Harrison's unpopularity by taking control of the House of Representatives.
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