What makes you eligible or ineligable for government employment?

I was just wondering what are the circumstances that cause you to become ineligible for a government position. I applied at a temporary agency for a temp-permament government position. They told me I was not eligible, but when i asked them why, they couldn't tell me..What would make me ineligible..I have never been arrested..Why can't they tell me why I would be ineligible.

I realize certain classes used to be protected, but where I live, white is actually a minority; so why should they be left out....
I don't have a problem with helping people get a job, but there is one thing I don't understand, why would a person who is not qualified for a job get it over a person who actually: DOES THE JOB RIGHT. I believe a person who is doing a job, no matter what; should actually know and understand what they are doing.
Don't you!! Maybe that is why there are soooo many mistakes being made; especially in government jobs...

Race, Gender, and Age could all be factors. Additionally, educational background and personal background are also under close scrutiny when applying for positions in the US Government, one issue that can be linked to you could easily make you less desirable for the job.

Some government positions are only for certain minorities or other protected classes - so if you are a white male, that position might only be for a senior citizen, or hispanic female, et al.

Of course they're not going to tell you that.