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Difficulty: MediumThe Civil Service: Characteristics, Organization, and Functions

Following a general election and a change in political administration, a newly appointed Minister attempts to dismiss a senior director in the ministry solely because the official advised and implemented policies under the previous government. Which fundamental feature of the civil service protects the director from being replaced during political transitions?

  1. PermanenceAnswer
  2. B
    Anonymity
  3. C
    Political neutrality
  4. D
    Impartiality

Answer

Permanence protects career civil servants from being dismissed due to changes in political administration.
Permanence is the feature of the civil service that guarantees career civil servants security of tenure. Civil servants are permanent government employees who do not lose their jobs when political executives or ministers change following an election.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the scenario presented in the stem
The core issue involves job protection for career officials when a new minister or political party takes office.
The question asks for the specific civil service characteristic that safeguards career tenure across political changes.
2
Distinguish between the core characteristics of the civil service
Permanence refers to continuous tenure unaffected by political transitions. Neutrality relates to non-partisanship, and anonymity shields officials from public parliamentary scrutiny.
Security of tenure across incoming and outgoing political governments is the exact definition of permanence in public administration.

Key Concept

Civil Service Permanence and Tenure Security
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

The Civil Service: Characteristics, Organization, and Functions

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