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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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American Politics

Boise State University

University Author Recognition Bibliography: 2019

2019

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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Trump Administration Wants To Dismantle The Agency Overseeing 2 Million Federal Workers – And Weaken Safeguards Against Partisanship, Matthew May Jul 2019

The Trump Administration Wants To Dismantle The Agency Overseeing 2 Million Federal Workers – And Weaken Safeguards Against Partisanship, Matthew May

University Author Recognition Bibliography: 2019

The U.S. government has put expertise and competence ahead of political considerations when it hires people for more than 135 years.

As a result of changes made during President Chester Arthur’s administration, the vast majority of government jobs can only be awarded on the basis of merit. Prospective employees historically had to complete a competitive exam and today must complete detailed applications, undergo interviews and get their background checked. Employees also cannot be fired or demoted for political reasons.

These rules apply to all but about 4,000 politically appointed employees among the 2 million people who work for the federal …