The document discusses the civil service system, which mirrors HR practices in private organizations but has specific and rigid processes for recruitment, selection, promotion, and evaluation in government positions. It emphasizes the merit system, where qualifications, not political connections, dictate employment, but notes that these processes can lead to complications and inefficiency. The assignment involves defining the civil service system, explaining its components, and proposing an improvement.

1. Application: The Civil Service System
How do public administrators become public administrators?
Who recruits, selects, and hires them? How are they paid,
promoted, and evaluated? The civil service system is similar to
the human resources (HR) department at a private organization.
That is, it is concerned with all of the issues and tasks related to
employment within the organization. Since the "organization" in
this case is the government, there also are many differences
between the civil service system and the human resources
practices at most private companies. Government organizations
have very specific, rigid processes for recruitment, selection,
promotion, and appraisal of employees. Many of these processes
have been in place since the 19th century. For example,
prospective civil servants must pass exams before even being
considered for a government position. This is part of the merit
system, which is one of the foundational principles of the civil
service system. The merit system is based on the idea that the
most qualified person should fill each position, rather than a
person who simply has the "right" political connections. In
addition, government positions all are given a specific
classification, which determines the rate of pay. Although these
rules sound logical in theory, in practice they often become
extremely complicated, leading to dishonesty and inefficiency.
As a result, efforts at civil service reform are common and span
throughout history, from the Pendleton Act of 1881, to
President George W. Bush's push for competitive sourcing in
2001. In this assignment, you examine what the civil service
system comprises, as well as how it might be improved.

2. The assignment (2–3 pages):
Due Thursday 6/11/2015
In your own words, define the civil service system.
Explain the major components of the civil service system.
Explain one way in which you might improve the civil service
system.
Explain why you would choose to implement this improvement
and what its positive results might be.
Application Assignments must be in
APA style and format