Civil Service Commission

Definition

The Civil Service Commission is a government agency responsible for overseeing the hiring, promotion, and management of federal civil servants. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and impartiality of the federal bureaucracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Civil Service Commission was established in 1883 to replace the previous patronage-based system of federal hiring with a merit-based system.
2. The Commission is responsible for developing and administering civil service examinations, as well as overseeing the classification and compensation of federal employees.
3. The Civil Service Commission plays a key role in promoting the efficiency and impartiality of the federal bureaucracy by ensuring that government positions are filled based on merit rather than political connections.
4. The Commission is also responsible for investigating and addressing complaints of discrimination or other unfair practices in the federal civil service.
5. The Civil Service Commission's authority and responsibilities have evolved over time, with the agency being reorganized and renamed the Office of Personnel Management in 1978.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose and function of the Civil Service Commission within the federal bureaucracy.
  • The Civil Service Commission is responsible for overseeing the hiring, promotion, and management of federal civil servants. Its primary purpose is to ensure the efficiency and impartiality of the federal bureaucracy by implementing a merit-based system of employment, rather than a patronage-based system. The Commission develops and administers civil service examinations, classifies and compensates federal employees, and investigates complaints of discrimination or other unfair practices. By promoting a professional and competent civil service, the Civil Service Commission plays a crucial role in the effective functioning of the federal government.
• Describe the historical context and evolution of the Civil Service Commission.
  • The Civil Service Commission was established in 1883 to replace the previous patronage-based system of federal hiring with a merit-based system. Prior to the creation of the Commission, government positions were often awarded based on political loyalty or personal connections, rather than on an individual's qualifications and merit. The Civil Service Commission was designed to promote efficiency, impartiality, and professionalism in the federal bureaucracy. Over time, the Commission's authority and responsibilities have evolved, with the agency being reorganized and renamed the Office of Personnel Management in 1978. However, the core mission of ensuring a professional and competent civil service remains a central function of the federal government.
• Analyze the role of the Civil Service Commission in addressing issues of discrimination and fairness within the federal civil service.
  • The Civil Service Commission plays a key role in promoting fairness and addressing issues of discrimination within the federal civil service. As part of its responsibilities, the Commission investigates complaints of unfair practices, such as discrimination based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. By ensuring that government positions are filled based on merit rather than political or personal connections, the Civil Service Commission helps to create a more equitable and inclusive federal bureaucracy. Additionally, the Commission's oversight of the classification and compensation of federal employees helps to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and compensated appropriately for their work, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. Through these efforts, the Civil Service Commission contributes to the overall effectiveness and legitimacy of the federal government.

Related terms

Bureaucracy: A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials and administrative staff, designed to implement policies and administer public affairs.

Merit System: A system of hiring and promoting government employees based on their qualifications and performance, rather than political connections or other arbitrary factors.

Patronage System:

A system of appointing government officials based on political loyalty or personal connections, rather than merit.