Some government jobs require a high level of expertise. Scientists employed by the Centers for Disease Control are one example. To protect these civil servants, the amount of power elected officials and supervisors have over them is limited. But civil service rules create bureaucracy, making it very hard for elected officials to effect change quickly.

Respond to the following:

• How much should the power of elected officials be limited?
• Do you think civil service protections should be limited? For example, should elected officials have more power over hiring and firing?

Discuss the reasons for your opinions, focusing on the tradeoff between protecting expertise and promoting democratic control and protecting the interests of the public versus special interests. Your argument should include specific reasons for your viewpoint and should be supported by information from the text.