A recurring trend refers to a pattern or occurrence that happens repeatedly over time. In the context of political appointees within federal bureaucracies, it represents a consistent pattern or behavior that can be observed in the appointment process.
Related terms
Rotation System: A rotation system refers to a practice where political appointees are regularly replaced with new individuals to bring fresh perspectives and prevent stagnation within federal bureaucracies.
Merit System: The merit system is an approach used for selecting and hiring individuals for government positions based on their qualifications and abilities rather than political affiliations.
Spoils System: The spoils system was an old practice where political appointments were made as rewards for loyalty or support during election campaigns. It has largely been phased out due to concerns about corruption and inefficiency.