The document discusses voter reform during the Gilded Age from 1865-1901. It notes that the central government at this time did little domestically and was very corrupt, with the president acting as a figurehead who gave jobs to friends and family. This led reformers to establish political parties like the Republicans and Democrats to try to change the government. The Republicans supported Northern whites and African Americans, while the Democrats represented white southerners wanting to keep white supremacy. The first president elected from this period of reform was Republican James A. Garfield, though he was assassinated after announcing his campaign, making Chester A. Arthur the new president.