Definition

1. Noun:
   • The permanent professional branches of a government's administration, excluding military and judicial branches and elected politicians: The "civil service" refers to the body of government employees who are hired and promoted based on merit, typically through competitive examinations, to implement government policies and administer public services.
   • The system or method of appointing government officials based on merit: "Civil service" can also refer to the merit-based system itself, designed to ensure a non-partisan, professional, and permanent administrative workforce.

Usage

• The term is used as a collective noun to refer to government administration employees as a whole.
• It is typically used with the definite article "the" (e.g., ).
• It contrasts with political appointees, the military, and the judiciary.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She decided on a career in the civil service after graduating.
  • Reforming the civil service was a key priority for the new administration.
  • Entry into the civil service often requires passing a rigorous examination.

Advanced Usage

• "Civil service reform": Efforts to change the structure, efficiency, or rules governing the government's administrative workforce.
  • The 19th century saw major civil service reform in many countries to combat patronage.
• "Civil service commission": An independent body that oversees the recruitment and regulation of civil servants.
  • The civil service commission ensures hiring is fair and competitive.

Variants and Related Words

• Civil servant (n): An individual who works in the civil service; a government bureaucrat.
  • As a civil servant, his job was to advise ministers impartially.

Synonyms

• Government bureaucracy: The administrative system governing any large institution.
• Public administration: The implementation of government policy and the management of public programs.
• The bureaucracy: Often used similarly, though it can have a more negative connotation.

Related Phrases

• To enter the civil service: To begin a career as a government administrator.
  • He plans to enter the civil service through the fast-stream program.
• Civil service rules/regulations: The official guidelines governing the conduct and employment of civil servants.
  • Strict civil service rules prevent officials from engaging in political activism.

Noun

1. government workers; usually hired on the basis of competitive examinations