§ 2635.101 Basic obligation of public service., 5 C.F.R. § 2635.101 Code of Federal Regulations Title 5. Administrative Personnel Chapter XVI. Office of Government Ethics Subchapter B. Government Ethics Part 2635. Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (Refs & Annos) Subpart A. General Provisions 5 C.F.R. § 2635.101 § 2635.101 Basic obligation of public service. Currentness (a) Public service is a public trust. Each employee has a responsibility to the United States Government and its citizens to place loyalty to the Constitution, laws and ethical principles above private gain. To ensure that every citizen can have complete confidence in the integrity of the Federal Government, each employee shall respect and adhere to the principles of ethical conduct set forth in this section, as well as the implementing standards contained in this part and in supplemental agency regulations. (b) General principles. The following general principles apply to every employee and may form the basis for the standards contained in this part. Where a situation is not covered by the standards set forth in this part, employees shall apply the principles set forth in this section in determining whether their conduct is proper. (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 permitted by subpart B of this part, 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