Comment: The representatives of the government in power should be in the position, all things being equal, to offer appointments and positions at its disposal as it thinks fit.  If there is a law against it doing so, that law should be abolished.  If a government cannot use patronage appointments in the open to smooth its agenda then it will do so in the shadows.  Of course a government that uses patronage appointments recklessly, putting someone in a position where he/she is in over their head, will sooner or later be recognized as incompetent will have to face the consequences.  Governments should be allowed to act foolishly, essentially against their own long term best interests, in this regard.  That's one of the reasons we have elections; to get rid of foolish, incompetent governments.