Civil Service FAQ Key Civil Service Laws Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal law established the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)?
- Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (Correct answer)
- Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883
- Hatch Act of 1939
- Federal Employees' Pay Act of 1945
Correct answer: Civil Service Reform Act of 1978
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 abolished the Civil Service Commission and created OPM to manage federal human resources.
Question 2: What does the Hatch Act primarily restrict federal employees from doing?
- Taking partisan political activity while on duty (Correct answer)
- Applying for promotions within two years of hiring
- Receiving overtime pay without supervisor approval
- Filing grievances more than once per year
Correct answer: Taking partisan political activity while on duty
The Hatch Act limits federal employees' participation in partisan political activities, especially while on duty or in uniform.
Question 3: Under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, which body hears federal employee appeals of adverse actions?
- Merit Systems Protection Board (Correct answer)
- Office of Special Counsel
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Federal Labor Relations Authority
Correct answer: Merit Systems Protection Board
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) was created by the Civil Service Reform Act to adjudicate federal employee appeals.
Question 4: The Whistleblower Protection Act shields federal employees who disclose what type of information?
- Evidence of waste, fraud, or abuse in government (Correct answer)
- Classified defense contractor data
- Personal information about coworkers
- Budget projections for future fiscal years
Correct answer: Evidence of waste, fraud, or abuse in government
The Whistleblower Protection Act protects federal employees who report government waste, fraud, abuse, or legal violations.
Question 5: Which principle, central to civil service law, requires that hiring and promotion be based on qualifications rather than political connections?
- Merit principle (Correct answer)
- Seniority principle
- Tenure principle
- Reciprocity principle
Correct answer: Merit principle
The merit principle mandates that civil service employment decisions be based on candidates' qualifications and performance, not patronage.
Question 6: Under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), what benefit is provided to civilian federal employees injured on the job?
- Workers' compensation for medical expenses and lost wages (Correct answer)
- Lifetime pension regardless of years served
- Free legal representation in injury lawsuits
- Automatic promotion upon return to duty
Correct answer: Workers' compensation for medical expenses and lost wages
FECA provides workers' compensation benefits including medical treatment and wage replacement to federal employees injured in the line of duty.
Civil Service FAQ Key Civil Service Laws Questions and Answers 2
Which federal law established the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)?