Formal Organization Part 1
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the general types of agencies in the executive bureaucracy?

  • Independent agencies
  • Cabinet departments
  • Government corporations
  • Federal committees (correct)

It is uncommon for multiple agencies to be involved in a single issue within the executive bureaucracy.

False (B)

Executive branch departments are typically headed by Cabinet members called _______, except for the Department of Justice, which is headed by the attorney general.

secretaries

To whom are Cabinet secretaries directly responsible?

<p>The president (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cabinet secretaries are only accountable to the president.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the Cabinet secretaries?

<p>Establishing their department’s general policy and overseeing its operations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following government roles with their descriptions:

<p>Secretary = Responsible for establishing departmental policy and overseeing operations. Deputy Secretary = Assists the secretary in managing the department. Assistant Secretary = Provides specialized support to the secretary on various issues. Attorney General = Heads the Department of Justice, responsible for legal affairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best exemplifies why Congress might create a government corporation?

<p>To provide essential services in areas where private companies are unwilling or unable to operate profitably. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Government corporations, like the Postal Service, are funded exclusively through taxpayer dollars.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following government corporations with the primary reason for their creation:

<p>Postal Service = To provide nationwide mail delivery at affordable rates. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) = To supply low-cost electricity to a region underserved by private companies. Amtrak = To maintain passenger rail service when private companies found it unprofitable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organizational structures is responsible for easing the administrative tasks of the secretary?

<p>Deputies or Undersecretaries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Departments organized to promote the interests of a specific group are called ______ agencies.

<p>clientele</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Congress establish government corporations?

<p>To engage in activities that are primarily commercial in nature, produce revenue, and require greater flexibility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All government agencies operate in the same way and serve the same functions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Government agencies play no role in the economy.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cabinet Departments

Major administrative units of the U.S. government, each responsible for specific areas.

Assistant Secretaries

Officials who manage major programs within a cabinet department.

Clientele Agencies

Departments organized to promote the interests of specific social or economic groups.

Bureaus or Divisions

Subunits within departments that handle specific tasks and functions.

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Government Corporations

Businesses created by Congress to provide services that could be private.

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U.S. Postal Service

The largest government corporation, providing mail services across the U.S.

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Administrative Burden

The workload that falls on a secretary within a department.

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Functional Lines

The organizational structure found in departments based on specific functions.

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Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

A government corporation providing electricity at reduced rates in the Southeastern U.S.

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Amtrak

A government corporation created to provide passenger rail service in the U.S.

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Government Intervention

Action taken by Congress to create corporations like TVA or Amtrak when private sector fails.

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Public Utilities

Services like electricity provided to the public, often where private companies won't serve.

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Private Corporation Comparison

Government corporations provide services at rates cheaper than private companies.

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Types of Agencies

There are four main types: cabinet departments, government corporations, independent agencies, and regulatory commissions.

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Executive Bureaucracy

Characterized by specialization and often overlapping agency involvement in issues.

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Cabinet Secretary

The head of a cabinet department responsible for policy and operations, reporting to the president.

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Cabinet Workforce

Cabinet departments make up about 60 percent of the federal workforce.

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Dual Accountability

Cabinet secretaries report to the president and are influenced by Congress and their department's stakeholders.

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Department Structure

Each department has a hierarchical structure with secretaries, deputies, and assistant secretaries.

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Permanent National Interest

Cabinet status reflects ongoing government functions like defense and agriculture, showing enduring priorities.

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Study Notes

General Types of Agencies

  • There are an estimated 1,149 civilian agencies, including government agencies, commissions, and departments.
  • A key characteristic of the executive bureaucracy is its division into specialized areas.
  • Agencies may overlap in their jurisdictions, dealing with numerous issues simultaneously.

Cabinet Departments

  • There are fifteen Cabinet departments, which are major administrative units.

  • They have responsibility for specific broad areas of government operations.

  • Departmental status often signifies a permanent national interest in a particular governmental function (e.g., defense, commerce, agriculture).

  • They employ about 60% of the federal workforce.

  • Secretaries are responsible for the departments' general policy and operations.

  • Secretaries report to the president, but also interact with Congress regarding budget and policy implementation.

  • Secretaries are assisted by deputies, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and numerous other assistants.

  • Cabinet departments have sub-units like bureaus, divisions, and sections, where most work is carried out.

  • Some departments focus on particular social or economic groups, known as clientele agencies.

  • Examples of clientele agencies include Agriculture, Education, Energy, Labor, Veterans Affairs, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Government Corporations

  • Government corporations are businesses established by Congress to perform functions that could be handled by private businesses (e.g., U.S. Postal Service).
  • They are more flexible than regular departments.
  • They are formed when activities are primarily commercial and require flexibility exceeding what Congress normally allows regular departments.
  • Government corporations, like the U.S. Postal Service (UPS), often provide services at cheaper rates than private businesses.
  • Congress may establish a government corporation to handle public assets, like passenger rail service (Amtrak).

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Related Documents

Modern Bureaucracy Part 1 PDF

Description

Overview of the different types of government agencies in the US, including civilian agencies and the fifteen Cabinet departments. Focuses on their roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure within the executive bureaucracy. Highlights the functions of secretaries and their interactions with the president and Congress.

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