Which act requires the establishment of merit personnel systems when receiving federal grants?

The Intergovernmental Personnel Act (1970) is the correct response because it was designed to facilitate cooperation between federal, state, and local governments. One of its key provisions mandates the establishment of merit personnel systems in states and localities that receive federal grants. This is important as it helps promote a framework for fair and equitable hiring practices, ensuring that employment decisions are made based on merit rather than political influence or other non-job-related factors.

The other options focus on different areas of employment law. The Political Activities Act (1939), for instance, primarily addresses the political activities of federal employees, prohibiting them from engaging in certain political activities while on duty. The Civil Rights Act (1991) strengthens protections against discrimination in the workplace, but it does not specifically require the establishment of merit personnel systems tied to federal grants. Meanwhile, the Equal Pay Act (1963) aims to abolish wage disparity based on gender but does not relate to the establishment of personnel systems. Thus, the Intergovernmental Personnel Act stands out as the legislation that specifically addresses merit-based hiring criteria in the context of federal grant funding.