WordNet
merit system
n. the system of employing and promoting civil servants on the basis of ability [ant: spoils system]
Wikipedia
Merit system
The merit system is the process of promoting and hiring government employees based on their ability to perform a job, rather than on their political connections. It is the opposite of the spoils system.
Usage examples of "merit system".
A chef who plays old Sex Pistols songs while he breaks down chickens for coq au vin is sending a message to his crew, regardless of his adherence to any Escoffier era merit system.
He called them over one at a time and gave them one or more of the roots, according to some merit system of his own.