What was the main impact of Executive Order 10450?

The main impact of Executive Order 10450 was to create a system for investigating government employees. Issued in 1953, this order was pivotal in establishing a comprehensive security program aimed at determining the loyalty and suitability of government workers for their positions. It was primarily focused on ensuring that individuals in government roles were not a security risk, particularly during the height of the Cold War, when concerns about communist infiltration were prevalent.

The order outlined procedures for background investigations and set standards for evaluating the character and conduct of federal employees. This framework helped to formalize the process of personnel security within federal agencies and laid the groundwork for subsequent security clearance practices.

In contrast, the other options propose activities or goals that were not the focus of Executive Order 10450. The creation of a commission for employee benefits, ensuring diversity in hiring, or defining roles for civil service employees were not direct objectives of this particular executive order.