The correct option is C
In the us federal civil service is defined as "any office appointed by the federal administration, whether in executive, legislative or judicial power, with the exception of those services that are uniformed." At the beginning of the 19th century, officials were freely appointed by the president - and therefore, they were also freely dismissed. This way of managing the public function implied a politicization of the civil service. This situation was modified by the Pendleton Act of 1883 and subsequent reforms. By 1909, some two thirds of the civil servants in the service of the federal administration were already selected by criteria based on merit through oppositions. Since the entry into force of the Hatch Act of 1939, public employees are not allowed to carry out political activities during the time they remain in office. However, certain positions of the high civil service, including some heads of diplomatic missions and government agencies continue to be appointed based on their political allegiances.
