Federal Bureaucracy Overview Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the federal government?

The largest organization in the country (correct)

A collection of state governments

The main political party in the U.S.

None of the above

What is a bureaucracy?

A large, complex structure that handles the everyday business of an organization.

What feature of a bureaucracy requires that each person within an organization focus on a particular task?

Job specialization

Which is not a typical feature of a bureaucracy?

Leadership at the bottom Signup and view all the answers

What are the major elements of the federal bureaucracy?

The Executive Office of the President, 15 Cabinet departments, and independent agencies. Signup and view all the answers

What makes up the executive branch?

The Executive Office of the President, 15 Cabinet departments, and independent agencies. Signup and view all the answers

Which is not part of the executive branch bureaucracy?

The Government Accountability Office Signup and view all the answers

Each of the following groups is part of the federal bureaucracy of the executive branch except _____?

The congressional subcommittees Signup and view all the answers

What are the names given to the executive branch units?

Department, agency, administration, commission, corporation, authority. Signup and view all the answers

The Federal Trade Commission has responsibility for what task?

Regulating business Signup and view all the answers

What are staff and line agencies?

Staff agencies provide support, while line agencies carry out public policy. Signup and view all the answers

A line agency is a unit that _____?

Performs tasks to meet goals. Signup and view all the answers

What type of agency supports the chief executive?

Staff agency Signup and view all the answers

Which administrative organization is responsible for directly assisting the President?

The Executive Office of the President Signup and view all the answers

Which is an advantage of an organization structured as a bureaucracy?

It is an effective way for the organization to get work done. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the chief administrator of the federal bureaucracy?

The President Signup and view all the answers

People who support the President in the Executive Office work in which type of agency?

A staff agency Signup and view all the answers

Which type of unit is charged with regulating business?

A commission Signup and view all the answers

Which helps line agencies meet their goals by advising and planning?

Staff agencies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Federal Bureaucracy

The federal government is the largest organization in the U.S.
Federal employees provide essential services, such as mail delivery, tax collection, and national defense.

Understanding Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy refers to a large, complex organizational structure facilitating daily operations.
Key features include:
- Structure: Hierarchical design with levels reporting to one another.
- Job Specialization: Each worker focuses on specific tasks, developing specialized skills.
- Formal Rules: Established standards guide decision-making, ensuring consistency and clarity.

Features of Bureaucracy

Job Specialization is the feature requiring individuals to concentrate on particular tasks.
Leadership is typically found at the top levels, not at the bottom.

Composition of the Federal Bureaucracy

The federal bureaucracy consists of various agencies operating mainly within the executive branch.
Three primary groups:
- Executive Office of the President: Directly assists the President.
- 15 Cabinet Departments: Led by appointed secretaries, involved in diverse governmental functions.
- Independent Agencies: Operate separately from Cabinet departments.

Hierarchical Structure

The President heads the bureaucracy, overseeing all executive operations.
The Executive Office provides direct support, while cabinet departments handle specific functions.
The majority of federal employees work within various agencies at the bottom of the hierarchical pyramid.

Types of Executive Branch Units

Various titles are used for executive branch agencies:
- Departments: Reserved for Cabinet-level agencies.
- Agencies & Administrations: Managed by administrators; often near-Cabinet status.
- Commissions: Regulate business activities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Authorities & Corporations: Conduct business-like functions, e.g., Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Types of Agencies

Staff Agencies: Provide support and assistance, seen in the Executive Office of the President.
Line Agencies: Execute policies and tasks, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Responsibilities and Functions

Line agencies execute public policies by performing assigned tasks, aided by staff agencies.
Staff agencies contribute by advising, budgeting, and planning to ensure effective operations.
The Federal Trade Commission oversees business regulation.

Chief Administrator

The President acts as the chief administrator of the federal bureaucracy, directing operations and agencies.

Effective Bureaucracy

Bureaucracies are considered efficient organizational structures for executing tasks, minimizing conflicts, and providing clarity in roles and expectations.
Compliance with formalized rules helps maintain order and expectations for workers within the organization.

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Description

This set of flashcards introduces key concepts related to the Federal Bureaucracy. Learn about the structure and functions of the federal government, its employees, and how it impacts daily life. Perfect for students studying American government and political systems.