What does trafficking in public offices involve?

Trafficking in public offices refers specifically to corrupt practices that involve manipulation or exploitation of government functions for personal gain. This can include bribery, favoritism, or illicit agreements that compromise the integrity of public service or public administration. When individuals engage in trafficking in public offices, they essentially undermine democratic principles, ethical standards, and the effectiveness of government operations by creating situations where decisions are made based on corrupt influences rather than merit, legality, or public interest.

In contrast, the other options describe practices that do not inherently involve corruption or unethical behavior. For example, legitimate hiring practices and public service recruitment are processes aimed at ensuring that individuals are selected for public roles based on qualifications and fairness. Negotiated political agreements can be a part of democratic processes, but they don't typically involve the same level of unethical behavior associated with trafficking. Thus, the focus on corrupt agreements in option B highlights the core issue of trafficking in public offices, making it the correct answer.