Job Protections
The law shields roughly 2 million federal workers from being fired without cause or due process, which supporters say insulates government work from political pressure.
In plain English
The rulebook for federal workers.
A 1978 law that sets the rules for hiring, managing and firing most federal workers, and gives them a process to appeal if they're disciplined or removed.
Simple example
Under the act, a tenured federal employee facing removal can appeal the decision to the Merit Systems Protection Board, an independent agency that reviews whether the firing followed proper procedures.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Management Flexibility
Critics say the act's procedures can make it slow and costly to remove poor performers, with a 2015 GAO report citing timelines of six months to a year.
How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
Notice And Appeal
Agencies must give employees written notice of proposed discipline, a chance to respond, and a written decision, with appeal rights to the Merit Systems Protection Board.
Merit Principles
Hiring and firing decisions must be based on merit and performance, not political affiliation, personal favoritism or other prohibited factors.
Related guide
How hard is it to fire a federal civil servant?
A look at the rules, history and trade-offs behind removing federal employees from their jobs.
Read the guide → Related issue brief
Should it be easier to fire federal civil-service employees?
A new executive order reviving debate over how readily the government can dismiss career federal workers.
Read the brief →You’ve learned the term. Now vote.
Should it be easier to fire federal civil-service employees?
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