Political Appointee Ethics Quiz: The Answers

1. B. Generally speaking, an appointee has 90 days from the date of confirmation to divest of necessary stocks.
2. C. Generally speaking, appointees must recuse themselves from such a company for one year before they can begin working with the company.
3. D. Appointees are generally expected to recuse themselves from agency operations or decision making that directly impacts any of the other options.
4. A. Recusal is generally permissible when it is not expected to prevent appointees from doing their jobs.
5. FALSE. Appointees can maintain their stock options, so long as they recuse themselves from any matter that could impact the financial interests of the company.
6. FALSE: A 1989 executive order signed by President George H.W. Bush prohibits virtually all political appointees from receiving any earned income while serving in the federal position. Appointees can collect unearned income, however, such as dividends from investments.
7. B.
8. C.
9. TRUE.
10. “A reasonable person with knowledge of relevant facts” would view the situation as creating the appearance of impropriety.
11. FALSE. In this example spelled out in federal statute, a reasonable person with knowledge of relevant facts would not question his impartiality, so he may continue his work unabated.
12. D.
13. TRUE. Unless Jones’ father started the firm and Jones later took over, his name must be removed. His name cannot appear on any letterhead or promotional material.
14. FALSE. As long as Jones’ position is unpaid and he recuses himself from any matters that could impact the charity, he may keep his position.
15. B.
16. B.
17. D. OGE says the process must be collaborative. 

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