AP U.S. Government Study Guide: The Bureaucracy PDF

AP U.S. Government Study Guide: The Bureaucracy 2.12 The Bureaucracy ​ The bureaucracy consists of federal departments, agencies, commissions, and government corporations that implement government policy. ​ Key components: ○​ Cabinet Departments (e.g., Dept. of Homeland Securit...

AP U.S. Government Study Guide: The Bureaucracy 2.12 The Bureaucracy ​ The bureaucracy consists of federal departments, agencies, commissions, and government corporations that implement government policy. ​ Key components: ○​ Cabinet Departments (e.g., Dept. of Homeland Security, Dept. of Transportation) ○​ Independent Regulatory Agencies (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Elections Commission) ○​ Government Corporations (e.g., Amtrak, U.S. Postal Service) ○​ Executive Agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency) What is the Bureaucracy? ​ The bureaucracy is the part of the government that makes sure laws are carried out. It includes government agencies, commissions, and departments that handle different responsibilities. ​ Examples: ○​ The Department of Homeland Security manages border security. ○​ The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces environmental laws. ○​ The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversees the stock market. Main Tasks of the Bureaucracy ​ Writing and Enforcing Legislation: Agencies create detailed rules to implement laws passed by Congress. ​ Issuing Fines: Agencies (e.g., SEC, EPA) penalize individuals or corporations that violate regulations. ​ Testifying Before Congress: Bureaucrats provide expertise during congressional hearings. ​ Issue Networks and Iron Triangles: ○​ Iron Triangles: Strong, stable relationships between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups. ○​ Issue Networks: Looser, more dynamic coalitions including academics, media, and policy advocates. How Do Bureaucratic Agencies Gain Power? ​ Discretionary authority: Some laws allow agencies to decide the best way to enforce them.  ​ Rulemaking authority: Agencies create rules that act like laws to carry out government policy. ​ Example: The Department of Education decides how federal money should be used for schools. 2.13 Discretionary and Rulemaking Authority ​ Bureaucratic agencies have discretionary authority to decide how laws are implemented. ​ Rulemaking Authority: Agencies develop regulations that have the force of law. ​ Examples: ○​ EPA: Sets emissions standards for industries. ○​ Dept. of Education: Determines how federal education funds are allocated. 2.14 Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable Political Patronage, Civil Service, and Merit System Reforms ​ Political Patronage: Historically, government jobs were given as political favors (Spoils System). ​ Civil Service Reform: The Pendleton Act (1883) introduced merit-based hiring to promote professionalism and neutrality. ​ Merit System: Reduces political influence, ensuring qualified individuals are hired. What is an Iron Triangle? ​ This is a strong relationship between: 1.​ A bureaucratic agency (like the Department of Agriculture) 2.​ A congressional committee (which controls funding and laws for that agency) 3.​ An interest group (like a farming association that wants certain policies) ​ These three groups work together to shape policies that benefit them. Formal and Informal Powers Over Bureaucracy ​ Presidential Control: Appoints heads of agencies, issues executive orders, and influences budget requests. ​ Congressional Oversight: Holds hearings, uses power of the purse, and can pass new legislation. ​ Judicial Review: Courts can declare agency actions unconstitutional or in violation of existing laws. 2.15 Policy and the Branches of Government  ​ The effectiveness of agencies depends on presidential ideology and authority. ​ Compliance Monitoring: Agencies ensure businesses and individuals follow regulations, but enforcement can be inconsistent. ​ Examples of Key Agencies: ○​ Dept. of Homeland Security: Manages border security and counterterrorism efforts. ○​ Dept. of Transportation: Regulates aviation, highways, and public transit. ○​ Dept. of Veterans Affairs: Provides healthcare and benefits for veterans. ○​ Dept. of Education: Oversees federal student loans and school funding. ○​ EPA: Regulates environmental policies and enforces pollution standards. ○​ FEC: Enforces campaign finance laws. ○​ SEC: Regulates the stock market and financial disclosures. How is the Bureaucracy Kept Accountable? ​ Presidents can influence agencies by appointing leaders and issuing executive orders. ​ Congress holds hearings, controls budgets, and can pass new laws to limit agencies. ​ Courts can block agency actions if they are unconstitutional or go beyond legal limits. This guide provides an overview of the bureaucracy’s role, functions, and the mechanisms ensuring accountability. AP U.S. Government Study Guide: The Judiciary 2.8 The Judicial Branch ​ The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and applying the law. ​ Article III of the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create lower courts. ​ The Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S. and has the final say on constitutional matters. ​ The judiciary has the power of judicial review, which allows courts to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional. Foundations of Judicial Branch Powers ​ Article III of the Constitution: ○​ Establishes the Supreme Court and gives Congress the power to create lower courts. ○​ Judges serve for life with good behavior to ensure independence from political pressures. ​ Federalist No. 78: ○​ Written by Alexander Hamilton, it argues that the judiciary is the "least dangerous" branch because it cannot enforce its rulings. ○​ Emphasizes the importance of judicial independence to protect rights. ​ Marbury v. Madison (1803): ○​ Established judicial review, giving courts the power to strike down unconstitutional laws. ○​ Strengthened the judiciary’s role as a coequal branch of government. 2.9 Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch ​ Stare Decisis and Precedent: ○​ "Stare decisis" means "let the decision stand." Courts rely on previous decisions to guide future rulings. ○​ Precedent creates stability and predictability in the law. ​ Ideological Changes in the Composition of the Supreme Court: ○​ Presidents appoint justices who align with their political ideology. ○​ Shifts in the Court’s makeup can lead to new interpretations of laws and rights. ​ Court Legitimacy and Controversial Court Decisions: ○​ Court decisions can be controversial, affecting public trust in the judiciary. ○​ Examples: Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ended segregation, while Roe v. Wade (1973) legalized abortion. 2.10 The Court in Action ​ Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint: ○​ Judicial Activism: Judges use their power to promote social change and interpret the Constitution broadly. ○​ Judicial Restraint: Judges interpret the Constitution narrowly, deferring to elected officials unless there is a clear violation. ​ Strict vs. Loose Constructionism: ○​ Strict Constructionism: Judges interpret the Constitution literally and do not infer rights beyond what is written. ○​ Loose Constructionism: Judges interpret the Constitution as a living document that evolves over time. 2.11 Checks on the Judicial Branch ​ Checks on the Supreme Court: ○​ The Supreme Court is powerful, but it is limited by checks and balances. ○​ Congressional Legislation to Modify Impact of Previous Decisions: ​ Congress can pass new laws that override judicial interpretations. ​ Example: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 countered discrimination after earlier court rulings. ○​ Constitutional Amendments: ​ The Constitution can be amended to overturn court decisions (e.g., the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, overriding Dred Scott v. Sandford). ○​ Judicial Appointments and Confirmations: ​ The president nominates Supreme Court justices, but the Senate must confirm them. ​ This process can be highly political and influence the Court’s ideological balance. ○​ President/States Evading or Ignoring Supreme Court Decisions: ​ Sometimes, decisions are not enforced. Example: Some Southern states resisted desegregation after Brown v. Board of Education. ○​ Legislation Impacting Court Jurisdiction: ​ Congress can pass laws that limit the types of cases the Supreme Court can hear. This guide provides an overview of the judicial branch, its functions, and the ways it is held accountable. Understanding these concepts is key to analyzing the role of the judiciary in U.S. government.