What is civil service?

Civil service is a system that includes almost all of a government's civilian employees who are appointed rather than elected. The term is usually used for a system in which appointments are based on ability and good performance and not on political connections. Civil service systems exist at every level of government in most countries.

The idea of a civil service based on merit has long been practiced in China. Modern civil service systems began to develop in Europe more than 200 years ago. Developing nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have also begun to operate modern civil service programs.

Excerpt adapted from the "Civil Service" article, The World Book Encyclopedia ©