chapter 14: Bureaucracy Flashcards
Which of the following is an example of Max Weber’s merit principle?
Hiring bureaucrats based on their ability to do the job
Why do Americans tend to think that red tape is more prevalent than it actually is?
Americans tend to noticed the bureaucracy only when it is inefficient and not when it works well
Which of the following is a means of enforcing a bureaucratic regulation?
Sending inspectors to evaluate compliance
How does the president exercise control over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy?
By nominating federal appointees
Those who believe that regulation on business and industry are too numerous and too complex are likely to favor the policy of ______.
deregulation
Cabinet secretaries are appointed by ____ and confirmed by _____.
The president; the senate
Before 1883, how were government jobs awarded?
Government jobs were awarded based on applicant’s loyalty to the party in power
How do standard operating procedures influence bureaucratic decision making?
Promote uniform application of rules
Which of the following is a function of departments and agencies within the federal bureaucracy?
Implementing public policies
Which of these statements about the bureaucracy is most accurate?
Americans dislike bureaucracies
Which circumstance creates a challenge to the implementation of federal laws?
When congress passes a law that contains ambiguity
What factor contributed to the growth of federal bureaucracy during the twentieth century?
Increased demands upon government during the Great Depression
____ are rules created by government agencies that determine how laws are implemented
Regulations
In the process and structure of public policy-making, “iron-triangles” refer to the
Networks of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that strongly influence the policy process
Which of the following best describes the policies related to firing federal civil servants?
It is often difficult and time-consuming to fire a civil servant
What is implementation?
Process by which a law or policy is put into practice
Which of the following statements best describes the presidential influence over agency budgets?
The President influences the initial budget proposal, but depends on Congress for appropriations of federal money
Which of the following agencies is most removed presidential and congressional control?
Federal reserve system
What was the purpose of the Hatch Act?
To prohibit federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities
Under what circumstances are bureaucrats most likely to exercise discretion?
When an agency is implementing a law that contains ambiguity
Why was the Voting Rights Act successful?
Because the goals of the policy were clearly stated
How did the Pendleton Act reform the system of hiring and firing federal employees?
It required hiring and firing decisions to be based on merit rather than partisan loyalty
When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and adjudicate disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constitutional concept of _____
separation of powers
What role is the Environmental Protection Agency taking when it sets limits on air pollution from power plants?
Regulation
Which Cabinet department did Congress create shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks?
Department of Homeland Security
What event served as a catalyst for the creation of the Pendleton Act?
The assassination of James Garfield in 1881
How do government corporations differ from private companies?
Government corporations can’t sell stocks, whereas private companies can
How are Cabinet secretaries similar to independent agency administrators?
Both are appointed by the president
Under the spoils system, who was awarded jobs in the federal bureaucracy?
Those who helped candidates win elections
Which of the following is an example of a bureaucratic organization?
Department of Defense
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Environmental Protection Agency are examples of ________
independent agencies
______ refers to the authority of administrators in the federal bureaucracy to make choices concerning the best way to implement policies
Discretion
The civil service system was introduced following the passage of what law? federal job based on merit
Pendleton Act
The first step in obtaining a civil service job is usually _____
taking a test
How do departments differ from independent agencies?
Department heads are part of the president’s cabinet; agency heads are not
All of the following make it difficult for the president to control the actions of federal agencies EXCEPT ______
the appointment of cabinet heads
What is a goal common to both the Pendleton Act and the Hatch Act?
Reducing the influence of partisan politics on the federal bureaucracy
Why do its proponents argue that deregulation is good public policy?
Eliminating costly regulations make US products more competitive in the world marketplace
Which of the following was a consequence of the spoil, or patronage, system?
The federal bureaucracy was staffed with people who lacked expertise
