This document serves as the official legislative text establishing the framework for the reorganization and reform of the United States civil service system. The Office of the Federal Register provides the authoritative record of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, which sought to improve the efficiency and accountability of federal personnel management. The act introduced significant structural changes, including the creation of the Office of Personnel Management and the Merit Systems Protection Board to replace the former Civil Service Commission.

Legal scholars and government administrators treat this document as a foundational primary source for understanding federal employment law. Experts emphasize that the text is highly technical and intended for professional reference rather than casual reading.