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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of bureaucracy in the context of government?
Which department is not considered a cabinet department?
What system replaced the old spoil system in bureaucratic hiring?
What role do regulatory agencies play in the bureaucratic system?
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What is a key characteristic of independent agencies like NASA?
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Which component of bureaucracy was established in response to the events of 9/11?
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What is meant by 'rulemaking' in the context of bureaucracy?
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Which of the following describes how bureaucrats are hired in the merit system?
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What does the term 'iron triangle' refer to in the context of bureaucracy?
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Which oversight method involves monitoring only when issues arise?
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Which of the following has the most direct control over the actions of bureaucracies?
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What is a significant challenge when attempting to reform bureaucracy by treating it like a business?
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Which of the following accurately describes the role of Congress regarding bureaucracies?
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In what way does 'overhead democracy' empower citizens regarding bureaucratic control?
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What are the potential consequences of an iron triangle forming among interest groups, Congress, and bureaucracies?
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Which concern does bureaucratic lobbying primarily address?
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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.
