Final answer:
The outcomes of patronage in history predominantly benefited the patron or the patron's city/political party depending on the context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The outcomes of patronage benefit different actors differently. While it may benefit the patron in terms of political loyalty and control over government resources, it may also benefit the patron's city or political party in terms of job distribution and financial support. For example, the spoils system in the United States tied government jobs and contracts to political contributions, benefiting those who supported the victorious party. However, transitioning to a merit-based civil service system has its own consequences, such as the bureaucracy forming its own motivations.