Understanding Modern Bureaucracy and Federal Workers

A system of administration characterized by hierarchical structures, rules, and procedures for governmental functions.

Goods and services provided by the government for the benefit of the public, not intended for profit.

The incentive for businesses to maximize their profits, contrasting with government objectives.

The challenge of identifying to whom bureaucracies answer—president, Congress, or citizens.

Elected officials' drive to be re-elected influences their decision-making, unlike bureaucrats.

A U.S. law that limits political activities of federal employees to maintain a nonpartisan government.

A modification of the Hatch Act that allows certain political activities by federal employees under specific conditions.

Total number of civilian employees in the federal government.

The allocation of jobs among government branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

A major component of federal employment, employing approximately 811,600.

The distribution of government agencies across regions for better public access.

Awareness of an aging federal workforce needing succession planning.

Federal employees can engage in specific forms of political activity.

Federal employees may run for office in elections without political party affiliations.

Federal employees can help organize efforts to register voters.

They can contribute money to political organizations under certain conditions.

Federal employees can attend and actively participate in political rallies.

Federal employees cannot campaign or engage in political activities while on duty.

Federal employees cannot solicit political contributions from the public.

Federal employees cannot run for office in elections that favor a political party.

Federal employees cannot engage in political activities while in uniform.

A system of government or management characterized by hierarchical structure and strict rules.

Public employees focus on avoiding mistakes, while private sector employees often seek rewards.

Government cannot operate like a business due to its unique goals and structures.

A program initiated by President Calvin Coolidge to reduce government staff by 2%.

A proposed consolidation of agencies into larger departments to improve efficiency.

Efforts to reduce federal workforce and regulations while improving customer service.

Expanding on reforms toward a more paperless government post-Clinton.

Increase in federal agencies and programs in response to 9/11 events.

As federal responsibilities shift, state and local bureaucracies expand.

The discussion primarily refers to the structure and function of federal bureaucracies.

Career government employees in the executive branch.

The branch of government responsible for carrying out laws.

A system for federal employee pay grades and salary advancement.

Criteria used to select federal employees based on ability and qualifications.

Tests required for certain federal government positions.

U.S. presidency during which reforms to federal employment began.

A law that established merit-based hiring for federal employees.

Non-military federal workers in the executive branch.

Written tests used to fill lower-level civil service positions.