Civil service facts for kids
The civil service is a group of people who work for the government. They are hired for their skills and experience, not because they were elected or chosen by friends. These workers are called civil servants or public servants. They help run government departments and agencies every day.
Many people think of the civil service as part of how governments are managed. Sometimes, people working for other government-related groups, often called "QUANGOs," are also considered civil servants. Together, all these workers form a country's civil service.
There are also international civil servants. These are people who work for large organizations that include many different countries.
The idea of hiring people for government jobs based on their skills first started in ancient China. This was through a system called the Imperial examination.
Contents
What is the Civil Service?
The civil service is made up of people who work for the government in many different roles. They are not elected officials like presidents or mayors. Instead, they are hired because they have the right skills and knowledge for the job.
- They help run public services like schools and hospitals.
- They manage government projects and policies.
- They work in various departments, from defense to finance.
These jobs are usually long-term careers. This means civil servants often stay in their roles for many years. This helps keep the government running smoothly, even when new politicians are elected.
Why is the Civil Service Important?
The civil service plays a very important part in how a country works. They make sure that government decisions are put into action. They also provide important services to citizens.
- They help create and carry out laws.
- They manage public money and resources.
- They provide advice to elected leaders.
Without civil servants, it would be very hard for governments to do their jobs. They are the backbone of public service.
How Do People Become Civil Servants?
Most civil servants are hired through a fair process. This process usually involves:
- Applying for open jobs.
- Taking exams or tests to show their skills.
- Having interviews to see if they are a good fit.
This way, the best people are chosen for the jobs. It helps make sure that government workers are skilled and professional. This system is called a "merit system." It means jobs are given based on a person's merit, or ability.
History of the Civil Service
The idea of a civil service has been around for a very long time. One of the earliest examples comes from ancient China.
Early Beginnings in China
Around 1,400 years ago, in Imperial China, a system called the Imperial Examination was created. This system allowed people to get government jobs based on how well they did on difficult tests.
- These tests covered subjects like history, poetry, and law.
- It meant that even people from ordinary families could get important jobs.
- This was different from other places where jobs often went to rich or powerful families.
This system helped China have a strong and stable government for many centuries.
Modern Civil Service
The modern idea of a civil service, where people are hired based on merit, became popular in the 19th century. Countries like Britain and the United States started to use similar systems.
- In Britain, Charles Trevelyan helped create a new civil service in 1855.
- His ideas focused on hiring people based on their skills, not on who they knew.
- This helped make government more fair and efficient.
Today, most countries have a civil service that works in a similar way. They aim to have skilled and neutral workers who serve the public.
Images for kids
-
Imperial Civil Service Examination hall with 7500 cells in Guangdong, 1873
-
Charles Trevelyan, who helped create Her Majesty's Civil Service in 1855.
See also
In Spanish: Función pública para niños
