Civil Service FAQ Key Civil Service Laws Questions and Answers

Question 1

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 significantly restructured the federal civil service framework by abolishing the Civil Service Commission and establishing which three key agencies?

Accepted Answer

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), and the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)

Answer

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Government Ethics (OGE)

Answer

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Answer

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Security Agency (NSA)

Question 2

A federal employee, while on duty and in a government building, uses their official email account to solicit campaign donations for a partisan political candidate. This action is a direct violation of which law?

Accepted Answer

The Hatch Act of 1939

Answer

The Pendleton Act of 1883

Answer

The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989

Answer

The Lloyd-La Follette Act of 1912

Question 3

What was the primary purpose of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883?

Accepted Answer

To replace the political spoils system with a merit-based system for federal employment.

Answer

To establish the right of federal employees to form labor unions.

Answer

To grant veterans preference in federal hiring.

Answer

To protect employees who report government waste and fraud.

Question 4

An accountant at a federal agency reports to the Office of Inspector General that their supervisor is intentionally misusing federal funds for personal travel. Shortly after, the accountant is given a poor performance review for the first time in their career, leading to their dismissal. This retaliation is specifically prohibited by the:

Accepted Answer

Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989

Answer

Ethics in Government Act

Answer

Pendleton Act of 1883

Answer

Hatch Act of 1939

Question 5

The Veterans' Preference Act of 1944 provides a significant advantage to eligible veterans seeking federal employment primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Adding points to their passing scores on competitive examinations or assessments.

Answer

Guaranteeing them an interview for any position for which they are qualified.

Answer

Exempting them from all background check requirements.

Answer

Allowing them to be hired non-competitively for any Senior Executive Service position.

Question 6

Which of the following rights for federal employees was formally established by the Lloyd-La Follette Act of 1912?

Accepted Answer

The right to petition or furnish information to Congress and to join a union.

Answer

The right to a formal performance appraisal system.

Answer

The right to paid parental leave for 12 weeks.

Answer

The right to telework at least two days per pay period.