Final answer:
The term for the government positions officials entered after passing the civil service exam is bureaucracy. These individuals are known as bureaucrats or civil servants, and they were often selected through a merit-based system involving competitive exams.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the government positions that officials who passed the civil service exam became a part of is bureaucracy. These officials are referred to as bureaucrats or civil servants, and they fill nonelected positions within the government. The process of selecting these officials is based on the merit system, which values experience and competence over political loyalty, and traditionally included competitive examinations.
The creation of a merit-based civil service was instrumental in forming a more efficient and less politically driven bureaucracy. This system allowed for the hiring of government officials based on their abilities and performance on exams rather than on connections or patronage, signifying a shift towards a more democratic and fair process in public administration.