By mid-decade it was apparent that the program had grown too extensive to manage. The LWV narrowed its emphasis to two issues: 1) a merit system of government employment at all levels; and 2) reform of the tax system to provide adequate revenue...through an equitable tax burden. LWV led a successful campaign for civil service at all levels of government, with hundreds of federal jobs removed from the spoils system.

Shadows of war loomed as early as 1931.The LWV urged U.S. membership in the League of Nations and persisted in its efforts to get the Senate to ratify the World Court, but without success. LWV believed that war could be prevented by international cooperation and held that: "Peaceful change through the achievement of economic and social justice is the best method of preventing war."