Which of the following BEST describes the intent of the civil service?
A. Political appointees are to be hired and promoted based on merit.
B. Career bureaucrats are to be protected from termination for partisan reasons.
C. Career bureaucrats are to be hired and promoted based on merit.
D. Career bureaucrats AND political appointees are to be hired and promoted based on merit.
Answer: D. Career bureaucrats AND political appointees are to be hired and promoted based on merit.