Karl, a political science student, observes that the Texas bureaucrats in general are hired due to their skills and qualifications rather than their "connections." Which of the following statements supports this observation?

a. The Texas bureaucracy is hierarchical in nature.
b. The Texas bureaucracy has an inverted pyramid-shaped structure.
c. In Texas most of the bureaucracy is decentralized.
d. In Texas, the "spoils system" has been replaced by the merit system to select employees.

Answer: D