Trump's move towards an executive order that promotes loyalty could potentially weaken the federal workforce and breach the Constitution's principles
The power of executive orders has long been a contentious issue, with presidents using them to enact change without the need for congressional approval. However, focusing excessively on these orders can pose risks, as highlighted in the administration's focus on hiring and training employees based on their support for executive orders.
According to recent findings, 95% of the public agrees that civil servants should be hired and promoted based on merit, rather than political beliefs. This sentiment is reflected in the Office of Personnel Management's hiring and training plans for federal workers.
The implementation of the merit system, initiated by the Pendleton Act of 1883, significantly improved the government's efficiency. Before this, the government was not as effective in meeting the people's needs, a stark contrast to the British and Prussian customhouses, which were four to five times more efficient.
The emphasis on political loyalty over professional competence was common in America, with plum political jobs often being used to advance personal political or policy preferences. This practice is a concern for the current administration, which believes that some career federal employees may not fully support the elected President's agenda.
Federal officials are accountable to executive orders, but they are also bound by the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, and professional standards. It's crucial to maintain this balance to ensure the smooth functioning of government and the implementation of the President's priorities.
Presidents can use executive orders to emphasize their own priorities and instruct agencies to change regulations that are out of sync with the administration's priorities. For instance, Donald Trump issued more executive orders in his first days as president than Joe Biden, Barack Obama, or George W. Bush did in their first 100 days.
However, focusing solely on short-term responsiveness to executive orders would serve the president badly and the country's long-term interests even worse. The public values the quality of government much more than who it's loyal to.
To address this issue, a proposed rule called the "new Schedule Policy/Career" (formerly known as Schedule F) is being considered. This rule aims to ensure that federal employees are hired and promoted based on their merit, rather than their political beliefs.
Under the Trump administration, federal employees were instructed to focus their work primarily on supporting presidential orders and policy priorities. This practice has raised concerns about the independence and impartiality of federal workers.
The training plan for Senior Executive Service members under the Trump administration began with sessions on "President Trump's Executive Orders." This practice has been criticised for politicising the training process and potentially undermining the impartiality of these high-ranking federal officials.
It's essential to remember the lessons of the Pendleton Act and the importance of maintaining a nonpartisan, merit-based system in federal employment. We shouldn't have to painfully learn these lessons all over again. The focus should be on hiring and promoting individuals based on their qualifications and ability to serve the country effectively, regardless of their political beliefs.
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