The senior executive service consists of administrators who were appointed to their posts because of their connections to the political party in power. presidential appointees to executive posts requiring special technical expertise. higher level career administrators within the federal merit system. federal service retirees who return for limited terms of service where their experience is in demand.

higher level career administrators within the federal merit system.

Explanation:

The Senior Executive Service is a high level service in the federal government. This position classification in the United States federal government is a position which is equivalent to flag officer ranks or general officer ranks in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The SES or the Senior Executive Service consists of the consists of the higher level career administrators from the civil service within the federal merit system.

Thus the answer is

"higher level career administrators within the federal merit system".

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