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

A senior administrative officer in a ministry formulates an internal technical report advising against a proposed tariff policy. Although the political Minister decides to proceed with the tariff and faces intense parliamentary criticism, the Minister defends the decision publicly while the officer's identity and advice remain undisclosed. Which characteristic of the civil service is demonstrated by keeping the officer shielded from public scrutiny?

  1. A
    Political neutrality
  2. AnonymityAnswer
  3. C
    Permanence
  4. D
    Impartiality

Answer

Anonymity
The doctrine of civil service anonymity ensures that career administrators remain nameless in public discourse and cannot be directly criticized or praised by parliament or the press. The political head of the ministry (the Minister) takes full responsibility for all policies and actions of the ministry under ministerial responsibility.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the scenario to identify the administrative principle at play when an official's identity and internal advice are kept hidden from public debate.
The official is shielded from parliamentary and public scrutiny while the elected Minister takes public responsibility.
Civil service conventions separate administrative policy formulation from political accountability.
2
Evaluate the identified action against fundamental civil service principles.
The principle of civil service anonymity explicitly shields officials from public praise or blame, operating under the umbrella of ministerial responsibility.
Ministers speak for their departments publicly, preserving the non-political position of civil servants.

Key Concept

Civil Service Anonymity and Ministerial Responsibility
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

The Civil Service: Characteristics, Organization, and Functions

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