Civil Service FAQ Employee Conduct and Ethics Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A civil servant discovers that a colleague is accepting small gifts from a contractor bidding on a government contract. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Report it to the agency's ethics officer or inspector general

Answer

Accepting gifts from contractors can constitute a conflict of interest and must be reported to the appropriate ethics authority regardless of gift value.

Question 2

Under the U.S. Office of Government Ethics rules, what is the general dollar threshold for gifts a federal employee may accept from a prohibited source?

Accepted Answer

$20 per occasion, not exceeding $50 per year from one source

Answer

Federal regulations generally permit acceptance of unsolicited gifts valued at $20 or less per occasion, with a $50 annual aggregate limit from any single prohibited source.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'misuse of position' in the civil service context?

Accepted Answer

Using one's official title or authority to benefit a private business interest

Answer

Misuse of position occurs when an employee exploits their official role, title, or authority for personal or private financial gain outside official duties.

Question 4

A federal employee is offered a part-time consulting job with a private firm that does business with their agency. What must the employee do before accepting?

Accepted Answer

Obtain prior written approval from their agency's ethics official

Answer

Federal employees must obtain prior written approval from their agency ethics official before accepting outside employment that could create a conflict of interest.

Question 5

What does the Hatch Act primarily restrict for most federal civil service employees?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in partisan political activity while on duty or in a federal facility

Answer

The Hatch Act prohibits most federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty, in uniform, in a government vehicle, or inside a federal facility.

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Employee Conduct and Ethics Questions and Answers 2