FOURTEEN PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEE
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1. *Public Service is a public trust*, requiring employees to place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws and ethical principles above private gain.

2. Employees *shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty.*

3. Employees *shall not engage in financial transactions using nonpublic Government information* or allow the improper use of such information to further any private interest.

4. An employee *shall not*, except as [provided for by regulation], *solicit or accept any gift or other item of monetary value* from any person or entity seeking official action from, doing business with, or conducting activities regulated by the employee's agency, or whose interests may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee's duties.

5. Employees *shall put forth honest effort in the performance of their duties*.

6. Employees *shall not knowingly make unauthorized commitments* or promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government.

7. Employees *shall not use public office for private gain*.

8. Employees *shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment* to any private organization or individual.

9. Employees *shall protect and conserve Federal property* and shall not use it for other than authorized activities.

10. Employees *shall not engage in outside employment or activities*, including seeking or negotiating for employment, *that conflict with official Government duties* and responsibilities.

11. Employees *shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption* to appropriate authorities.

12. Employees *shall satisfy in good faith their obligations as citizens*, including all just financial obligations, especially those--such as Federal, State, or local taxes--that are imposed by law.

13. Employees *shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Americans* regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.

14. Employees *shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance* that they are violating the law or ethical standards. Whether particular circumstances create an appearance that the law or these standards have been violated shall be determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts.