Championing the Civil Service: Effective Messages Back to Protecting Democracy Championing the Civil Service: Effective Messages The performance of our government depends on 2 million career federal employees working in communities across the country who are dedicated to serving the public and carrying out the policies of our elected leaders. Career civil servants don’t choose public service for money or power. They work in government because they believe in the importance of serving their communities and the nation. Civil servants are not elected officials or political appointees, but rather food safety inspectors, scientists, air traffic controllers and others, working to provide essential services. 74% of the public agreed that this message made them more favorable toward public servants. Civil servants have been responsible for the breakthroughs behind many of our country’s greatest achievements, from landing on the moon to developing the internet and lifesaving vaccines. 68% of the public agreed that this message made them more favorable toward public servants. Large majorities of the public support a merit-based system and believe it’s critical for civil servants to serve the people and our Constitution, not swear loyalty to any individual. This statement scored well with Republicans and independents, with 76% of Republicans and 79% of independents saying the statement made them more favorable toward civil servants. Our nation is stronger because of public servants who are dedicated to looking out for the public good every day. This message scored best with people ages 18-34, with 88% agreeing that the statement made them more favorable toward civil servants.
