United States Civil Service Commission

The United States Civil Service Commission was established in 1883 to create a fair and merit-based system for hiring federal employees. Before its formation, government jobs were often awarded based on political connections. The Commission's main role was to oversee the hiring process, ensuring that candidates were selected based on their qualifications and skills rather than favoritism. In 1978, its functions were transferred to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), which continue to uphold civil service principles in the federal workforce, promoting efficiency and accountability.