Civil service refers to the permanent branches of state administration that are non-combative in nature, excluding the military, judiciary, and elected officials. Civil servants play an important role in implementing government policies and performing both quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial functions. They also serve as advisors to the government and maintain public relations. More recently, the civil service has taken on a more positive nature by safeguarding the interests of the civil service through loyalty to the state and protecting the public interest. This replaces the previous concept of civil service neutrality.