Civil Service FAQ Employee Ethical Conduct 2

Question 1

A federal employee receives a holiday gift basket worth $30 from a contractor their agency regularly works with. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Decline the gift or return it because it comes from a prohibited source

Answer

Federal ethics rules prohibit accepting gifts from prohibited sources — including contractors doing business with your agency — regardless of value. The $20 de minimis exception does not apply when the giver is a prohibited source.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a 'conflict of interest' for a government employee?

Accepted Answer

Having a personal financial interest that could improperly influence an official decision

Answer

A conflict of interest exists when an employee's personal financial interests — such as stock holdings, outside employment, or business relationships — could improperly influence how they carry out their official duties.

Question 3

What is 'misuse of position' in the context of federal ethics rules?

Accepted Answer

Using government resources or authority to benefit oneself or others outside official duties

Answer

Misuse of position occurs when an employee uses their government title, authority, resources, or information to gain a private benefit for themselves or others, which is prohibited under the Standards of Ethical Conduct.

Question 4

An employee discovers their colleague is inflating travel reimbursement claims. Under whistleblower protection rules, what should the employee do?

Accepted Answer

Report the misconduct through proper channels such as the Inspector General or OSC

Answer

Employees who report fraud, waste, or abuse through proper channels — such as the Inspector General, Office of Special Counsel, or designated ethics officials — are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act from retaliation.

Question 5

Under the Hatch Act, which activity is generally PROHIBITED for most federal civilian employees?

Accepted Answer

Running for partisan political office while on active federal employment

Answer

The Hatch Act prohibits most federal employees from running as candidates for public office in partisan elections, using official authority to influence elections, and soliciting political contributions from subordinates.

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Employee Ethical Conduct 2