Civil Service Law

The Federal Civil Service is defined as "all appointive positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the Government of the United States, except positions in the uniformed services." Therefore, civil servants are those hired by the government to provide services to the public at the Federal, state and local levels. It is the civil service law that institutes the civil service system and sets down how it is to be run and by whom should it be run.

Civil service law defines the methods through which candidates are selected for the civil service. The methods through which candidates are selected for the civil service include an examination which the merit and fitness of the candidate is adjudged. And the performance of the candidate at this examination plays a large part in determining the candidate’s appointment to the civil service. Civil service law also provides the regulations for the governing of the civil service. The civil service system is established by this legislative body. Civil service law delegates the authority for making laws, conducting investigations and administration work to a board of civil service commissioners.

There are three members appointed to the board of commissioners by the Governor. The Governor appoints these three members on the advice and consent of the Senate. No two members can be of the same party. The Governor also designates the President of the Commission. The President of the Commission is also the head of the State Department. This board of commissioners also oversee the achievement of the objectives and purposes of civil service law. Appointments to this board are made through eligibility lists.

Eligibility lists are made up of people who meet the required qualifications and who have passed the civil service tests and examinations. Civil service law also contains provisions that pertain to civil service procedures and requirements for State service. Also according to civil service law, possible candidates should be hired according to merit and fitness.

The Rules and Regulations: that is the Rules for the Classified Service, the Regulations of the State Civil Service Commission (Commission's Regulations) and the Regulations of the Department of Civil Service (President's Regulations), are what implements civil service law. The Rules and Regulations also provide processes through which the principles expressed in civil service law can be carried out. It is therefore consistent with civil service law. The President of the board of commissioners also oversees the enforcement of the Rules and Regulations.

Civil service law and the Rules and Regulations alone do not govern civil service matters. There are more laws that contain provisions to govern these matters.

The authority and the administration of civil service law is vested in the State Department of Civil Service.