There was a crisis surrounding the corruption within Arthur's party and Washington in general. arthur provided leadership in the White House by removing corruption within his own party. He alienated many within his previous circle, but he gained the respect of so many others by displaying integrity at a time when it needed to be publicly displayed through his actions.

President Arthur faced no real crisis during his term. However, as during previous administrations, the continued suppression of African American rights in the South was cause for concern. Arthur did nothing to address this issue.