Which term describes an employment system based on merit and testing designed to reduce political influence in hiring and promotion?

• A. Community Service Officers
• B. Quasi-Military Organizations
• C. Civil Service System
• D. Lateral Transfers

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is hiring and promotion that rely on proof of ability rather than political connections. A civil service system uses standardized exams, formal job classifications, and merit-based promotions to ensure that public-sector staffing is based on qualifications and performance, not on political influence or patronage. This structure helps create a professional, competent workforce and reduces the opportunity for favoritism in both hiring and advancement.

Community Service Officers describe a type of role within a department, not a system for selecting staff. Quasi-military organizations refer to the organizational style or culture of a group, not the method by which people are hired or promoted. Lateral transfers are about moving current employees within the organization, not about how new hires are selected or how promotions are determined.