Bureaucracy Flashcards
Government by proxy
Washington pays state and local governments and private groups to staff and administer federal programs
laissez-faire
An economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce
Appropriation
A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency
Authorization legalization
Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency
Committee clearance
The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance and without passing a law
Competitive service
The government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit as ascertained by a written exam by meeting certain selection criteria
Discretionary authority
The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies that are not spelled out in advance by laws
Iron triangle
A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group
Issue network
A network of people in DC-based interest groups, on congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media who regularly discuss and advocate public policies
Legislative veto
The authority of Congress to blocks. Presidential action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that congress does not have this power
Name-request job
A job filled by a person whom an agency has already identified
Red tape
Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done
Trust funds
Funds for government programs collected and spent outside the regular government budget
Bureaucracy
A large complex organization composed of appointed officials
