He became a man of fashion in his dress and often was seen with the upper class of Washington, New York, and Newport. When he became president one of his main goals was civil reform. In 1883 Congress passed the Pendleton Act the first great step toward a merit system of government hiring which was passed by the president. Under his term he enacted the first general Federal immigration law and agreed to a measure in 1882 excluding paupers, criminals, and lunatics. Congress also suspended Chinese immigration for ten years, later making the restriction permanent. Arthur demonstrated that he was above the Republican Party and chose his own way and did not believe in that just being a party member was the only qualification for a job.

He was instrumental in signing into law the reform Civil Service Act of 1883, which established a merit system of appointment to federal employment. He is remembered as one who surprised his country with an honest administration. Another law passed during his administration was the Anti-Polygamy Act, aimed at the Mormons in Utah. Arthur also strongly pushed for tariff reduction to relieve indebted farmers and middle-class to ease their financial burdens. Another task he set about to change was a U.S. Navy expansion. Arthur will be remembered for being the most elegant and best-dressed president, in whose closet hung some 80 suits. His term completed, Arthur returned to his New York law practice. A year and a half later he died in New York City of Bright's disease (a kidney ailment).