Reading Seminar: Civil Service Law and Reform

The federal government is the largest employer in the United States, with a workforce of over three million people whose jobs—from NASA scientists to Social Security claims examiners—are governed by a complex and sometimes controversial body of law. This course examines the legal and constitutional foundations of the civil service, exploring how federal personnel laws structure the balance of power between the president, Congress, and career officials. We will trace the evolution of federal employment from the Pendleton Act of 1883 and the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 to today’s ongoing efforts to reshape—and in some cases dismantle—the civil service. Students will engage with debates over the constitutionality of civil service protections and recent efforts to politicize or dismantle the merit-based system. The course is ideal for students interested in public law, administrative governance, labor and employment issues, or pursuing careers in government or public policy.