Government Structure and Agencies
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of bureaucracy in the context of government?

  • To serve as political advisors
  • To create new laws
  • To provide financial services
  • To execute existing laws (correct)
  • Which department is not considered a cabinet department?

  • Department of Defense
  • Department of Treasury
  • NASA (correct)
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • What system replaced the old spoil system in bureaucratic hiring?

  • Random selection system
  • Direct democratic voting
  • Political appointment system
  • Merit system (correct)
  • What role do regulatory agencies play in the bureaucratic system?

    <p>They enforce laws through rulemaking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of independent agencies like NASA?

    <p>They operate separately from presidential influence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of bureaucracy was established in response to the events of 9/11?

    <p>Department of Homeland Security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'rulemaking' in the context of bureaucracy?

    <p>The interpretation and clarification of existing laws</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes how bureaucrats are hired in the merit system?

    <p>By demonstrating qualifications for the job</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'iron triangle' refer to in the context of bureaucracy?

    <p>The communication cycle among bureaucracy, congress, and a clientele group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which oversight method involves monitoring only when issues arise?

    <p>Fire alarm oversight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following has the most direct control over the actions of bureaucracies?

    <p>The President through appointment power and executive orders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge when attempting to reform bureaucracy by treating it like a business?

    <p>Government operations must follow rules not applicable to businesses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the role of Congress regarding bureaucracies?

    <p>Congress has the power to create and destroy agencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does 'overhead democracy' empower citizens regarding bureaucratic control?

    <p>It provides citizens with indirect control through elected officials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the potential consequences of an iron triangle forming among interest groups, Congress, and bureaucracies?

    <p>It creates a self-serving cycle with competition over resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concern does bureaucratic lobbying primarily address?

    <p>The potential for bureaucrats to dominate policy creation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Bureaucracy

    • A system of public agencies which translate the will of the people into action.
    • They execute laws created by legislators

    Executive Department

    • Made up of top government officials.
    • Includes cabinet departments which have a high level of stability; they cannot be replaced easily.
    • Some examples of cabinet departments:
      • State Department
      • Department of Defense (formerly Department of War)
      • Department of Treasury
      • Department of Homeland Security (Created after 9/11)

    Independent Agencies

    • Operate separately from cabinet departments.
    • Examples:
      • NASA - Exists independently to reduce political influence and emphasize its scientific goals.

    Regulatory Agencies and Commissions

    • Operate separately from cabinet departments.
    • Examples:
      • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
    • Maintain independence to ensure regulations are consistent across presidential administrations.

    Government Corporations

    • Run by the government, but not necessarily for profit.
    • Provide specific services.
    • Example: The U.S. Postal Service

    The Merit System

    • How bureaucrats are hired.
    • Replaced the "Spoil System"
    • Focuses on neutral competence.
    • Emphasize the importance of qualified individuals for government roles.
    • Was formally introduced in 1883 with the Pendleton Act.

    Powers of Bureaucracy

    • Rulemaking:
      • Interpreting and clarifying laws passed by Congress.
      • Example: Defining "readily accessible and usable for people with disabilities" for accessibility regulations.
    • Adjudication:
      • Judging whether a rule has been violated.

    Bureaucratic Lobbying

    • The concern that bureaucrats can create an "Iron Triangle."
    • Iron Triangle - A system of relationships between bureaucracy, Congress, and interest groups.
    • Example: Veterans Affairs working with Congress and veterans' interest groups to advance veterans' interests.
    • Concern: Could result in excessive resources and regulations.
    • More likely to form when there is strong unity between the three groups.

    Monitoring Bureaucracy

    • Overhead Democracy: Citizens have indirect control over bureaucracy through elections.
    • Police Patrol Oversight: Regular investigation and monitoring of bureaucracies (time-consuming)
    • Fire Alarm Oversight: Only monitoring when something goes wrong.
      • Concern: Reactive, not preventative.

    Influencing Bureaucracy

    The President

    • Highest level of control over bureaucracy.
    • Appointment power: Can appoint top officials within agencies.
    • Executive Orders: Can direct agencies on specific actions.
    • Delaying money from Congress (Impoundment): Can withhold funds from agencies.

    Congress

    • Can create and destroy agencies (President only has influence over hiring).
    • Sets the budget for agencies (can fund more or less).
    • Power of the purse: Controls the flow of money to agencies.
    • Legislative veto: Can overturn agency actions.

    The Judiciary

    • Has the power to review agencies' actions for compliance with legislative intent.
    • Ensures agencies follow due process standards.

    Reforming Bureaucracy

    • Government is not a business.
    • Government officials are subject to different rules than the private sector.
    • Government prioritizes fulfilling the will of the people, not necessarily making a profit.
    • Businesses strive for profit and growth but government provides services like law enforcement, military action, etc. that are not always profitable.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the various components of the government bureaucracy, including the executive department, independent agencies, regulatory agencies, and government corporations. Gain a deeper understanding of how these entities operate and their significance in executing laws and policies.

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