As distinct from the patronage and executive leadership system, the merit system for managing the bureaucracy
A. allows the president to appoint top officials of executive agencies,thus making the bureaucracy more responsive to election outcomes.
B. provides for a neutral administration in the sense that civil servants are not partisan appointees, thus ensuring evenhanded work.
C. provides for presidential leadership for the bureaucracy,thus giving it greater coordination and direction.
D. provides that all programs will be evaluated regularly to determine whether they merit continued funding.
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The answer is B. The merit system for managing the bureaucracy provides for a neutral administration in the sense that civil servants are not partisan appointees, thus ensuring evenhanded work.
To arrive at this answer, it is necessary to understand what the merit system is and how it differs from the patronage and executive leadership system.
The patronage system involves the appointment of government officials based on political connections and favors. In this system, loyalty is often valued over qualifications, leading to a less efficient and merit-based bureaucracy.
In contrast, the merit system is designed to hire and promote employees based on their abilities and qualifications rather than political affiliation. This system aims to ensure a more professional and effective public administration.
Option A is incorrect because the merit system does not allow the president to directly appoint top officials. Instead, it is based on a competitive selection process and civil service rules.
Option B is correct because the merit system ensures that civil servants are not partisan appointees. They are selected based on their merit, qualifications, and performance, allowing for a more evenhanded work environment.
Option C is incorrect because the merit system does not provide for presidential leadership for the bureaucracy. Instead, it focuses on a neutral administration where civil servants follow established rules and regulations.
Option D is incorrect because the evaluation of programs for continued funding is not directly related to the merit system for managing the bureaucracy. Program evaluation is a separate process carried out by agencies and departments to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of specific programs.
Therefore, the correct answer is B.