AP Review Flashcards
The Great Compromise set up this type of legislature
Bicameral Legislature (Congress is two houses)
How old do you have to be to be/have residence in your district to be in the House of Representatives?
25 years old, must be a U.S. citizen who’s lived in your district for 7 years
A main criticism of the Articles of Confederation was that the government could not ___
Tax
Madison argued that political liberty is best protected by the fragmentation of political power in this
A large republic
If you eliminated the effects of income and education, this race votes the most…
Black Americans
Buckley v. Valeo puts limits on this
campaign contributions
Which party tends to have the more loyal voters?
Republicans
Since the 1970s PACs representing these people have grown the most
Business Professionals
Majoritarian Politics
Policies used when making policy because it’s what the citizens want
“Shotgun Approach”
the interest group tries to mobilize large numbers of constituents to write, call or email their legislators or the president
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of ‘02
This act amended 1971’s FECA. Bans the large, unlimited contributions to national political parties, aka soft money. Puts curbs on political ads by outside special-interest groups advocating the election or defeat of a specific candidate
The Presidential aide who tries to control the press and meets with reporters on a daily basis
Press secretary
When the media covers the standings of the presidential race rather than the actual issues
Horse Race Journalism
His followers made up the Federalist Party
Alexander Hamilton
The SC ruled in this case that limiting a candidate’s use of personal funds for a campaign is unconstitutional
Buckley v. Valeo
Franking Privilege
Privilege that allows Congress members to send mail dealing with their office for free
Who ratifies treaties signed by the President?
The Senate
Filibusters can only happen in this chamber of Congress
The Senate
What does a conference committee do?
Resolves differences in HR and Senate bills
Diversity in public policy is largely a consequence of this form of government
Federalism
The govt’s power to tax and spend is covered under this type of policy
Fiscal Policy
Keynesianism
A school of economic thought that supports the use of government spending and taxes to stabilize the economy. Unemployment = people spend less, businesses failed, so govt should step in and undertake spending to get economy back to a normal state
Federal Reserve System (the Fed)
Most important regulatory agency in U.S. monetary system. Serves as central banking organization of the nation. They control and regulate monetary policy. Regulates the amount of money in circulation.
What institution funds individual entitlement programs as long as recipients meet required criteria?
Congress
Dred Scott v. Sanford
Slaves are property, not people so they can’t sue. Overturned by 14th amendment
Discrimination in public places made illegal in 1964 by this act
Civil Rights Act
What finally got rid of Jim Crow laws?
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Provisions in Bill of Rights that guarantee against arbitrary influence by the government
Civil Liberties
Theory that one or two control what laws get passed and hinder the legal process
Hyper-Pluralism
Under this, the U.S. had a unicameral legislature and no national military
Articles of Confederation
What overturned Dred Scott decision
14th amendment
Types of issues that are universally agreed upon like low taxes and low crime rates
Valence Issue
Type of vote cast by choosing the least objectionable candidates running
Clothespin vote
Critical election (Realigning election)
Type of election where there is a significant shift in electoral power from one party to another
Citizens United v. FEC
Allows Super PACs to make campaign ads supporting a candidate. Corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidates elections cannot be limited.
Plessy v. Ferguson
“Separate but Equal” (Jim Crow) laws are legal. The court found that having equal but separate accommodations for both whites and blacks does not violate the equal protection clause stated in the fourteenth amendment
Interest Groups hire people from this type of organization to research information for their lobbyists
Think Tanks
The tendency of states to choose an early primary date to force candidates to campaign early
Front Loading
When news outlets publish stories about potential scandals, they are acting in this role
Watchdog
Single Member District
Type of district where one candidate will win even if they didn’t get a majority of the votes.
Tillman Act
Forbade banks and corporations from contributing to campaigns
When a President tries intimidating people during a speech he’s using this
Bully Pulpit
Name 3 ways of getting around the House Rules Committee
2/3 vote to suspend Rules, Discharge Petition, Calendar Wednesday
Discharge Petition
A procedure by which a bill in the House of Representatives may be forced (discharged) out of a committee that has defused to report it for consideration by the House. This petition must be signed by an absolute majority (218) of representatives and is used only on rare occasions.
Calendar Wednesday
lets committees call up bills of their choice on Wednesday; routinely set aside each week
Discretionary Authority
When a public official is able to choose the course of action because no prior law exists
How the SC decides cases with political questions
They don’t. It’s up to the executive branch and legislative branch to solve the problem
Committee made up of the the uniformed heads of the military branches plus a chairman who advises the President
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Type of federalism in which the local, state, and federal levels work together to complete a project that is largely
funded by the federal gov’t
Fiscal Federalism (Cooperative Federalism)
Reaganomics
Economic policy that stimulated the economy combining supply-side and trickle down economics (and then it left a huge deficit)
Lawrence v. Texas gave civil rights to…
Homosexuals
Gibbons v. Odgen used this clause to grant Congress more power
Commerce Clause
Because of the passage of this act, voter registration for Blacks more than doubled from 1960-1982
Voter Rights Act of 1965
What was discussed in Engel v. Vitale
the “wall of separation” between church and state
Case that ruled you can’t discriminate against customers if your business is open to the public
Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States
In Federalist No. 10, Madison argued that these were natural yet controllable by institutions in a large republic
Factions
The 5th amendment allows the government to take your property as long as they provide proper compensation.
What is this called?
Eminent Domain
Referendum
When voters vote directly on an issue
Type of organization that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money as long as they don’t
endorse a particular candidate
527 Organization
Constant coverage by the press to capture a scandal or embarrassing moment
Feeding Frenzy
When a story is leaked beforehand to see how the public feels before pursuing the story more
Trial Balloon
They decide how many justices are on the Supreme Court
Congress
The idea that a freshman member of Congress will get more votes when up for reelection
Sophomore Surge
Though many state governors have this power, the Supreme Court said it’s a violation of the separation of powers clause to give the power to the President
Line Item Veto
How long can the President deploy troops without Congressional approval?
60 days
Examples of Entitlement Programs
Social Security, Food Stamps, Medicare
6th amendment
right to an attorney
Exclusionary Rule
Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court
Case said that it was cruel and unusual to execute juvenile offenders
Roper v. Simmons
5th amendment
no self incrimination
Supreme Court’s view on Affirmative Action
The SC has recognized quotas as unfair, but has not deemed them illegal because they the accomplish their overall goal of diversity
According to this test, speech can be limited if it causes physical harm
Clear and Present Danger Test
How often are congressional district boundaries redrawn by state legislators?
10 years (due to the census)
Theory that all interests are & should be free to compete
for influence in gov’t, resulting in healthy democratic compromise and balance
Pluralism
Explain the two steps needed to amend the constitution
1) Proposal by 2/3 of the Congress or State Legislatures
2) Ratification by 3/4 of the states
Enumerated Powers
Powers of the federal government that are specifically addressed in the Constitution
Name some Enumerated Powers given to Congress
coining money, taxing, declaring war, regulating interstate commerce
Type of law, now forbidden by Congress, that states that an individual can be punished without a trial
Bill of Attainer
The primary function of these groups is to raise money for the candidate they support.
Political Action Committees (PACs)
PACs are most likely to contribute to these people during campaigns.
Incumbent Candidates
Soft Money
Campaign contributions unregulated by federal or state law, usually given to parties and party committees to help fund general party activities
Hard Money
This refers to political contributions and campaign spending that is recorded under the regulations set forth in law and by the Federal Election Commission
The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)
Created the FEC: 6 nonpartisan administrators who enforce the act
Provided public financing for presidential primaries and general elections
Limited presidential campaign spending
Limited contributions
Required disclosure: Each candidate must file periodic reports w/ FEC of who contributed, how much was spent and what the $ was spent on
The governments power to censor a publication before it is released to the public, in order to prevent harm to the public or expose information vital to national security
Prior Restraint
Which department has the authority to print currency
Dept. of Treasury
Stare Decisis
To stand on decided cases; the judicial policy of following precedents established by past decisions
Spin Doctor
A political campaign adviser who tries to convince journalists of the truth of a particular interpretation of events
Spoils System
The awarding of government jobs to political supporters and friends
Supremacy Clause
The constitutional provision that makes the Constitution and federal laws superior to all conflicting state and local laws.
Tipping
A phenomenon that occurs when a group that is becoming more numerous over time grows large enough to change the political balance in a district
Cases involving two or more states have this kind of jurisdiction from the SC
Original jurisdiction
When an executive decision lies before Congress for a specified period of time before going into effect. (Now unconstitutional)
Legislative Veto
Block Grants
Federal programs that provide funds to state and local governments for general functional areas, such as criminal justice or mental health programs
Categorical Grants
Federal grants to states or local governments that are for specific programs or projects
Similar to pork barreling where a large group pays for something but only a small group benefits
Client Politics
Free Rider Problem
The difficulty interest groups face in recruiting members when the benefits they achieve can be gained without joining the group.
What did Engel v. Vitale ban?
Prayer in schools
USA Patriot Act
2001 national security act that has been criticized for violation of privacy
When the Supreme Court uses the incorporation doctrine they are applying which amendment?
14th amendment
This search is legal under the Patriot Act, though many people have criticized it
“Sneak and Peak” searches (no warrant required)
What does the constitution say about politic parties
Nada
The free-exercise clause protects
citizens’ religious freedoms from being interfered with by the government
Due Process Clause
in 5 and 14 amend; guarantees individuals various rights such as economic liberty, criminal procedural rights, protection from gov action, etc; ensures equality
Incorporation Doctrine
States that protection of the 14th amendment’s Due Process Clause must apply to state and local governments also
Establishment Clause
Part of the first amendment that separates church and state.
anti-federalist 84
argued for the addition of a BoR because the national gov couldn’t be trusted to ensure civil liberties without explicit written protections
9th amendment
guarantees rights not listed in the Bill of Rights
10th amendment
powers not explicitly given to the Federal gov are alloted to the states
The framers of the US Constitution left decisions on voting eligibility to the
individual states
The primary role of the Attorney General
Serving as the chief executive officer of the Department of Justice
How is a president chosen when none of the candidates receives a majority of the electoral vote?
The House chooses a new president by a majority vote of its state delegations
The Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides protections for the disabled, is an example of
A federal mandate
Difference between open and closed primary
Only voters who register as members of a political party may vote in that party’s closed primary, while independents and others may be eligible to vote in open primaries
Inherent Power
A power of the president derived from the statements in the Constitution, “the executive power shall be vested in a President” and that the President should “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed”; defined through practice rather than law
When independent regulatory agencies make rules enforce those rules, and adjudicate disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constiutional concept of
separation of powers
Cloture
Motions used by Senators, enacted with a 3/5 vote of the Senate, that end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote
Giving state government greater discretion in deciding how to achieve the specific goals of welfare reform is an example of
devolution
Since the early 1980s, the Republican Party platform has been increasingly influenced by
evangelical Christians
The role Congress plays in ensuring that executive branch agencies are carrying out their legislated responsibilities is known as
legislative oversight
The Constitution states that all revenue bills must originate in
the Hosue
Nominations to the Supreme Court must be approved by
simple majority vote in the Senate only
Most important figure in Congress
Speaker of the House
amicus curiae briefs
used by interest groups to lobby courts
Commerce Clause
The clause of the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.
the 14th amendment was designed to overturn the…
Dred Scott decision
Lobbyists try to influence legislators mainly through
providing legislators with information on technical issues
The largest portion of “uncontrollable spending” in the federal budget is designated for what programs
Entitlement
Difference between debate in the House and Senate
there is unlimited debate in the Senate but not in the House
Senate confirmation is required for which presidential appointments?
Secretary of State, White House chief of staff, Attorney General
To which of the following congressional committees would a proposal to reform the national income-tax system initially be sent
House Ways and Means committee
Since the 1970’s, Presidents have made use of executive orders at an increasing rate because executive orders..
do not need to be passed by Congress
The framers of the Constitution addressed the issue of slavery. Describe the compromise they made regarding the House.
3/5 of all slaves would be counted for purposes of the representation in the House of Representatives
Describe the background of most of the framers of the Constitution
They were wealthy, well educated, and experienced politicians
What was the result of the Great Compromise?
The Senate represents state interests, while the House of Representatives mirror the population proportionally
Political Culture
The collection of beliefs and attitudes toward government and the political process
What is the impact of Third parties on the American Political system?
Minor parties develop ideas that the major parties later come to adopt
How do interest groups differ from PACs?
PACs are committees, often set up by interest groups, to raise and spend money on campaigns and causes
Climate Control
The use of public relations techniques to create favorable public opinion toward an interest group, industry or corporation
Grassroots Lobbying
influencing government decision makers though indirect pressure (usually in the form of letters, emails, phone calls) from large numbers of constituents. This is also called indirect lobbying.
Faction
A group or bloc in a legislature or political party acting in pursuit of some special interest or position
How has market-driven journalism changed news coverage?
It hooks viewers with alarming stories and reduces coverage of government, policy, and public affairs
Sometimes reporters are highly critical of the government, featuring stories about perceived misconduct. This is an example of
“Watchdog” or Investigative journalism
How does regulation of radio and television broadcasts differ from the treatment of newspapers and magazines?
The FCC regulates broadcasters but not newspapers
How do the rules governing conduct of the House of Representatives compare with the rule governing conduct of the Senate
There are fewer rules governing the conduct of the Senate because it relies on unanimous consent agreements
What is different about incumbent reelection in the House and the Senate?
A greater percentage of incumbents in the House is reelected than in the Senate
What happens to most bills?
They rarely pass in their original form, because they are killed or modified by committees
Who are the leaders of the Senate and the House?
Senate: majority leader
House: Speaker of the House
When does the VP preside over the Senate?
if there’s a tie
What best describes the Presidents role in policy-making?
Involves bargaining and struggle between President and Congress
Is the Cabinet part of the Executive Office of the President?
No
What is the process for impeachment and removal of the president?
The House must impeach a president by a majority vote and then the president is tried in the Senate, which must vote to convict by a 2/3 vote
How are members of the federal bureaucracy selected?
They are appointed after they have passed a written exam or have met certain selection criteria
How can Congress supervise the bureaucracy?
No agency may exist without congressional approval
No money can be spent without authorization by Congress
Congressional committees may hold oversight hearings
Judicial Review
The power of the Supreme Court or any other court to hold a law or other legal actions as unconstitutional
Judicial Activism
A doctrine holding that the Supreme Courts should take an active role in checking the activities of government bodies when those bodies exceed their authority
Judicial Restraint
A doctrine holding that the SC should defer to the decisions made by the elected representatives of the people in executive and legislative branches
Senatorial Courtesy
In Federal district court judgeship nominations, a tradition allowing a senator to veto a judicial appointment where the nominee is from his or her state
Prior Restraint
Restraining an action before the activity has actually occurred. For example, stopping the publication of an event. When expression is involved this means censorship.
What was the Court’s decision in Bakke v. University of California?
Schools can take race into account in making admissions, but the use of quotas will be viewed with strict scrutiny
Result of Roe v. Wade
Abortion is legal during the first six months of pregnancy, and may be regulated, but not unduly restricted.
What is required by the No Child Left Behind Act?
- A state testing of students
- A yearly measure of adequate progress
- Allowing students in underperforming schools to transfer
How does regulation differ from legislation?
Congress passes legislation, and regulations are rules set forth by administrative agencies
What is the difference between monetary policy and fiscal policy?
Fiscal policy involves the budget and monetary policy involves interest rates and the money supply
What is the difference between a needs-based social welfare programs and entitlement programs?
Entitlement programs, like Social Security, are available regardless of income
Acquisitive Model
A model of bureaucracy that viewstop-level bureaucrats as seeking to expand the size of their budgets and staffs to gain great power
Fed Papers #78
Weakest branch - no control on sword or purse
Interpretation of laws keeps legislature in check - Constitution comes before decisions made by Congress
Independence from influence - life terms, etc.
Elitism
Believe it is necessary for the country to be run by a small chosen minority
Marxist Theory
Economic forces hold the power
Republic Initiative
Individuals can make petitions
Anti-Federalist Concerns
- national government has too much power, esp. power to tax
- no bill of rights: individuals must be protected
- like the set up of the confederacy ( the articles just need to be modified, we don’t need a new government)
Madison and Hamiltons’ philosophies
Madison had a “states rights” philosophy
Hamilton preferred strong nat’l gov.
The fed. Papers #39 & 46
National government = focus on individuals
Federal government = powers shared by the states or reflected in the states’ interests
U.S. Gov’t is both national and fed.
True or false: most of the founders were anti-party and anti-faction
TRUE
Bureaucratic System
Appointed officials
Majoritarian Politics and their problem
Elected officials must adhere to what the majority wants
-concerns issues of the people: war, education, taxes, economy, health care
Problem: most Americans are either not interested in politics nor well informed
Direct Democracy
A system of democracy in which political decisions are made by the people directly, rather than by their elected representatives
Fed papers #51
What the government has to do (“if men were Angels…” - preserved liberty, but don’t take away too many rights
Government must be able to control the governed as well as itself - checks and balances
Republic Recall
Elected official does not no their job and voters petitions gov’t and ask for recall election.
Communism made up of which two ideas
Socialism and Marxism
Realignment
Major change in the party
Substantial group of voters switch party allegiance
Political Machines
Corrupt organization that traded votes for favors and often put unqualified people in office
Examples of factions
Tea Party Republicans, freedom Caucus
5 functions of political parties
1) recruit candidates for public office
2) organize and run elections (attract/educate voters)
3) present alternative policies to the electorate, reduce conflict within party
4) accept responsibility for operating the government - appointments based on party lines; develop links b/w elected officials to gain support for policies
5) act as the organized opposition to the party in power - criticize the policies and behavior of the other party by articulating own policies forcing debates on the issues
The era of the democrats
1800-1860
Dominate all but two presidential elections
The era of the republicans
1860-1932
Republicans dominate all but four presidential elections
Types of One-Party Systems
One party system - where only one party is allowed
Modified One Party -
Systems where one party regularly wins most elections
Multi Party System Advantages and Disadvantages
Adv: more responsive to will of the people, give voters more choices
Disadv: Causes parties to form coalitions, which dissolve easily and cause instability in government. There is no clear majority just plurality.
Minor parties formed due to issues of concern to certain individuals
Idealogical Parties
Dealignment
Party loses loyal voters as more become independent
- can’t lock in political preferences - lots of split ticket voting
Right wing reactionary
Refuses to accept the present and think back to the past when these were better. Try’s to solve today’s problems
Right wing fascism
One or more group runs govt
- govt should be small and not interfere with people’s rights
Cleavages of public opinion
Separation between groups of people:
Social class, race/ethnicity/region
National name given to the type of secret ballot used in all American elections
Australian ballot
The main reason voter turnout in the us is low
People aren’t registered
The three main reasons why interest groups are common today
1) more cleavage
2) gov’t set up
3) weak political parties
A small exclusive interest group that uses radical tactics
Pressure Group
Type of incentive used by a local interest group since people join them for pleasure and companionship
Solidarity Incentive
An incentive such as getting travel discounts, calendar, etc
Material Incentive
Type of incentive usually used by an institutional interest group: people join and are active for the cause
Purposive Incentive
The role of the media when it chooses which issues to publicize
Gatekeeper
Type of press created in 1848 to offer unbiased nonpartisan news
Popular Press
The news outlet today that is most like the yellow journalism of the 19th and early 20th centuries
Tabloid Press
Yellow Journalism
A term for sensationalistic, irresponsible journalism
Rule that says if a station sells time to one candidate it must be willing to sell the same amount of time to another candidate at the same price
Equal Time Rule
According to political scientists, these people often have a negative influence on the legislative process due to the tactics they use
Lobbyists
Type of story that’s available to all reporters - they just have to do a little investigating
Feature Story
A group of policy experts who appeal to different people and Lobby the government on specific policy goals
Interest Group
22nd amendment
Limits the President to two terms
Veto that occurs when congress is not in session
Pocket Veto
The part of a party whose members have the same views and vote the same way
Ideological Wing
“Rule” that says power is wielded by those who are in the room when the decision in made
Propinquity
4 requirements to be presidency
270 electoral votes, must be at least 35 years old, born in the U.S., 14 years of consecutive residency
23rd amendment
DC gets 3 electoral votes
25th amendment
Emergency presidential succession due to disability
Total Electoral Votes
538
Who began presidential involvement in economy with the New Deal
FDR
Agency that advises pres. on how to propose budget, deal with finances, etc
OMB
How long the President has to use a “regular veto”
10 days
How can Congress override a “Regular” veto
2/3 vote of both houses
Name 3 limits on Presidents military powers
- cannot use military to solve labor/management disputes (strikes)
- Congress declares war
- Congress appropriates money for military spending
What did the War Powers Act (1973) do?
- President has to report to Congress 48 hours after deploying troops
- American combat must end after 60 days unless Congress gives further approval
- If Congress denies the deployment, the President has 30 days to withdraw troops
- Congress can end the use of combat forces at any time by passing a concurrent resolution
12th amendment
Required President and VP on same ticket
Where does the VP cast a tie breaking vote?
In the Senate
20th amendment
VP takes over if President dies in office
Who informs Congress that the Pres. is temporarily unfit to fulfill responsibilities
VP and 3/4 of cabinet
Rule of Propinquity works best in ____
Pyramid Structure
Two states that don’t have winner take all
Nebraska and Maine
How long can “Acting” heads remain during recess appointments
Up to 120 days unless the Senate doesn’t act to confirm
This part of the Executive branch advises the President on economic issues
Council of Economic Advisors (CEA)
Concurrent resolution
When Congress ends the use of combat forces at any time
Policy Czars
Positions that focus on one area
Whistleblower Protection Act
Act that was created so that bureaucrats that tell the truth about the government, can’t get fired for telling the truth
The Classic model of bureaucracy in which a clear hierarchy is visible and rules are established
Weberian Model
When the CIA and the FBI have programs that work against each other
Conflict
The tendency of an agency to grow regardless of the cost or benefits to its programs
Imperialism
Bureaucrats may sometimes successfully resist presidential initiatives because they cannot be removed for office for this reason alone
Political reasons/their personal beliefs
One of the largest gov’t employers today/largest exec. Branch office of the 19th century
Post office
American bureaucracy uses this type of federalism
Dual Federalism
Today’s bureaucracy is largely a result of these two events
New Deal and WWII
Pendleton Act
An act that established the principles of employment on the basis of merit and created the Civil Service Commission to administer the personnel service
IRS answers to this Cabinet department
US Dept. of Treasury
This cabinet department deals with worker issues like minimum wage
Department of Labor
Smallest cabinet department
Department of Education
This cabinet department oversees the National Park Service
Department of the Interior
Why’s it hard to fire a bureaucrat?
Long Process; lots of red tape
This agency played a major role in getting acts like he Clean Air Act passed
EPA
Agency that deals with US monetary policy by controlling interest rates
The Fed
This is what happens to an issue network after its goal has been achieved
it dissolves
Laws that require most bureaucratic matters to be made public
Sunshine Laws
Laws that expire unless Congress votes to extend them
Sunset Laws
A bureaucrat who informs the public about waste in the government
Whistleblower
Agencies like the Fed and SEC who have more independence and are responsible for protecting the public interest
Independent Regulatory Agencies
An agency such as the CIA, that is directly responsible to the president but is not a cabinet department
Independent Executive Agency
When an agency becomes part of the industry it’s supposed to regulate
Capture
An organization made up of agency members, the media, think tanks and others in the government who help an agency deal with pressure from interest groups
Issue Network
When a bureaucrat can choose the course of action taken because there’s no pre-existing law, he’s using this type of authority
Discretionary Authority
AMTRAK and the USPS are examples of this part of the bureaucracy
Government Corporations
The main office that gives the test most competitive civil servants have to take
Office of Personnel Management
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 created this group
Office of Personnel Management
Why many people didn’t like the bureaucracy when it first started
Spoils System (people weren’t qualified)
Secret Service was originally part of this department…
Department of Treasury
How does Congress oversee bureaucracy
Money
Investigations
Create/Destroy Agencies
Senatorial Courtesy
Reforming the bureaucracy by having corporations take over services such as jails and hospitals
Privatizations
Cabinet that deals with healthcare reform
Health and Human Services
Cabinet department that handles nuclear materials
Department of Energy
The legal name given to the idea that the Senate has to confirm presidential appointments
Senatorial Courtesy
What the Constitution says about the bureaucracy
Nothing!
Enabling Legislation
Legislation that creates a new agency and says exactly what types of policies they can create
Office of Special Counsel was created by this Act
Whistleblower Protection Act
This occurs when bureaucrats use discretionary authority to rule, angering many citizens
Arbitrary Rule
Monopolistic model of Bureaucracy
No competition = inefficient
Administrative Agency and their function
Agencies that perform a specific function and make laws more specific
Largest Branch of Government
Executive
Difference between Cabinet Departments and Independent Executive Agencies
Independent Executive Agencies - report to pres. but not part of cabinet
How does line organization affect the bureaucracy
Congress must approve new or eliminated depts
President fires/appoints officials - leads to plum jobs
How might capture affect an Independent Regulatory Agency
Higher prices, no competition, conflict of interest
Biggest power of bureaucracy
Discretionary Authority
Most bureaucrats are on this level
Local
How are government corporations different than a business corporation?
Controlled by gov’t
Don’t pay taxes
Can’t buy stock
Ex: AMTRAK, USPS
Privatization was most successful on which level
Local
Under sunset laws existing programs have to be reviewed by ___ who also gives permission to them to be extended
Congress
How bureaucrats make policy
Enabling legislation
Makes laws more specific
Controversial topics = public hearings
All regulations published in the ____
Federal Register
Police Patrol
Bureaucracy is too big
- catch some problems but not most
“Fire Alarm” approach
Uncovers major problems but too usually too late
Ex: Katrina and FEMA
Legislation that allows an agency to exist and stars exactly what types of policies they can have
Enabling
Department that creates highways and rules for them
Department of Transportation
Dept. that promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable development
Department of Commerce
Controls phones, TV, radio
Censorship
Refused to investigate patriot act
Emergency communications
Federal Communications Commission
What does the SEC do
Securities and exchange
- look at nations stock
- crime: SEC will fine you and make sure you cannot trade again
Dept. that deals with national disaster protection cyber security, counter terrorism
Homeland Security
Dept formed after 9/11
Homeland Security
Investigative wing of dept of justice
FBI
Joint chiefs of staff are in what dept
Dept. of Defense
Evaluates security risks with domestic, foreign and military issues
Presidents main forum for for foreign policy w/ cabinet
National Security Council
Litigation
is when people go to court in order to get a positive ruling for their cause. If there is a law that hurts a certain group of people, they can go to court and say that it is unlawful, and that it impinges on their rights. Civil rights groups like the NAACP use litigation to force lawmakers to bring forth fair regulations as guaranteed in the constitution
