AP gov unit 4 | Executive | Bureaucracy Flashcards
Administrative Discretion/Discretionary Authority
The ability of bureaucrats to make choices about the best way to implement laws and policies
Bureaucracy
A complex system of departments, agencies, and employees that run the day-to-day functions of the federal government.
Bureaucrats
Government officials who work within the bureaucracy
Cabinet
A group of advisors to the President, consisting of the heads of executive departments
Civil Service
The system of hiring government employees based on merit rather than political connections
Compliance Monitoring
The process of ensuring that individuals and organizations follow laws, regulations, and policies set by the government
Deregulation
The reduction of government restrictions on businesses/industries to encourage competition and efficiency
Government Corporations
Government-owned businesses that provide services similar to private companies
Hatch Act
A law that restricts government employees from engaging in political activities to ensure a nonpartisan bureaucracy
Hearings
Meetings where government officials gather information, review policies, or investigate issues
Iron Triangles/Issue Networks
The relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that influence policy-making.
Independent Regulatory Agency
A government agency responsible for enforcing regulations in a specific area
Independent Regulatory Commission
A type of independent agency that creates and enforces rules to regulate an industry, operating with some autonomy from the executive branch
Independent Executive Agency
A government agency that operates outside of the executive departments but reports directly to the President
Merit System
A hiring system based on qualifications and competitive exams rather than political connections
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The federal agency responsible for overseeing the hiring and management of government employees
Oversight
The process by which Congress monitors government agencies to ensure they follow laws and policies correctly
Patronage/Spoils System
A system where government jobs and contracts are given to political supporters rather than being based on merit
Pendleton Civil Service Act
A law that established the merit system and reduced political patronage in federal hiring
Policy Implementation
The process by which government agencies carry out and enforce laws passed by Congress
Regulation
Rules set by government agencies to control industries and protect the public
Rule-making Authority
The power of government agencies to create regulations that have the force of law
Whistleblower Protection Act
A law that protects government employees from retaliation when they report misconduct within the government
