Understanding Bureaucracy and Executive Departments

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of bureaucracy in a democratic system?

To translate the intent of democratic institutions into action (correct)

To perform audits on government spending

To oversee the presidential election process

To create new laws independently

Which of the following is NOT a component of the executive department?

State Department

Department of Defense

Treasury Department

NASA (correct)

What significant change did the Pendleton Act of 1883 introduce?

Created new cabinet departments

Implemented a merit system for hiring in bureaucracy (correct)

Transitioned to a spoil system for government appointments

Established the independent operation of all agencies

What is one role of regulatory agencies like the US Securities and Exchange Commission?

To ensure consistent regulation despite changes in presidential administrations Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of the merit system in bureaucracy?

People must be qualified for the jobs they are hired for Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a government corporation?

United States Postal Service Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of bureaucracy is involved in rulemaking?

Deciding the implementation and meaning of laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of having regulatory agencies operate separately from cabinet departments?

To enhance consistency in regulations across different administrations Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'iron triangle' in the context of bureaucracy?

A stable relationship between bureaucracy, Congress, and interest groups Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bureaucratic oversight involves monitoring only after something has gone wrong?

Fire alarm oversight Signup and view all the answers

What power does Congress possess that allows it to influence bureaucratic agencies?

Power to set agency budgets Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of trying to run a government like a business?

Government must adhere to specific rules that businesses do not Signup and view all the answers

Which role has the most control over the bureaucracy in terms of appointments and orders?

President Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of excessive unity within an iron triangle?

Overprovisioning of resources and regulations Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism in bureaucratic oversight allows citizens to indirectly influence actions?

Overhead democracy Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises when the government operates similarly to a business?

It may not align with public interests Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bureaucracy

Definition: The system of public agencies that implement democratic decisions.
Role: Carry out laws made by legislators.
Examples: Cabinet departments, independent agencies, regulatory agencies, and government corporations.

Executive Department

Cabinet Departments: High-level government agencies with specific responsibilities. Examples include State, Defense, Treasury, and Homeland Security.
Independent Agencies: Operate separately from cabinet departments, often to reduce political influence and promote specific goals. Example: NASA.
Regulatory Agencies and Commissions: Independent agencies that set and enforce regulations, often with the goal of creating consistency across administrations. Example: US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Government Corporations: Government-run organizations that provide specific services, often not for profit. Example: Postal Service.

Who are the Bureaucrats?

Merit System: Current system for hiring government employees based on qualifications and skills. Introduced by the Pendleton Act (1883).
Spoil System: Previous system where government jobs were given based on political loyalty. This system was often seen as corrupt and inefficient.

Powers of Bureaucracy

Rulemaking: Similar to the legislative process, agencies clarify laws and establish rules.
Adjudication: Similar to a court process, agencies determine if a rule has been violated.
Bureaucratic Lobbying: Can create "iron triangles" where an agency, legislative group, and interest group work together to promote a specific policy.

Monitoring Bureaucracy

Overhead Democracy: Citizens have indirect control over bureaucracy through elections and political pressure.
Police Patrol Oversight: Regular and continuous monitoring of bureaucracy.
Fire Alarm Oversight: Monitoring that occurs only in response to a problem or crisis.

Influencing Bureaucracy

President: Has the most control over bureaucracy through appointment power, executive orders, and the ability to delay funding.
Congress: Can create and abolish agencies, set budgets, and use a legislative veto (though this power is contested).
Judiciary: Reviews agency actions to ensure they are consistent with legislative intent and due process.

Reforming Bureaucracy

Challenges: The government is not a business, and its priorities are not always aligned with efficiency and profit.
Key Differences: Government aims to provide services and enforce laws, while businesses aim to make money.

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Description

Explore the structure and function of bureaucracy within government systems. This quiz covers the roles of various executive departments, independent agencies, regulatory agencies, and government corporations. Test your knowledge on how these entities implement democratic decisions and maintain public services.