The merit they evaluate for is loyalty to the leader, not academic merit, or some other measure.
Yes, but this isn't what they'll say if you ask them.
Hiring based on the worst prejudice or nepotism is still merit based in this sense. Meritocracy is supposed to be about varieties of merit which you aren't ashamed to admit are relevant.
And zeal for carrying out the elected official’s agenda. Which is the whole point of political appointments.
That didn't work very well for the folks that tried that defense in the Nuremberg trials.
If the agenda is to commit crimes and destroy the constitution I would have expected people to be a bit more patriotic.
Yes, but this isn't what they'll say if you ask them.
Hiring based on the worst prejudice or nepotism is still merit based in this sense. Meritocracy is supposed to be about varieties of merit which you aren't ashamed to admit are relevant.
And zeal for carrying out the elected official’s agenda. Which is the whole point of political appointments.
That didn't work very well for the folks that tried that defense in the Nuremberg trials.
If the agenda is to commit crimes and destroy the constitution I would have expected people to be a bit more patriotic.