chapter 14: Bureaucracy

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of Max Weber’s merit principle?

Answer 1

Hiring bureaucrats based on their ability to do the job

Question 2

Why do Americans tend to think that red tape is more prevalent than it actually is?

Answer 2

Americans tend to noticed the bureaucracy only when it is inefficient and not when it works well

Question 3

Which of the following is a means of enforcing a bureaucratic regulation?

Answer 3

Sending inspectors to evaluate compliance

Question 4

How does the president exercise control over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy?

Answer 4

By nominating federal appointees

Question 5

Those who believe that regulation on business and industry are too numerous and too complex are likely to favor the policy of ______.

Answer 5

deregulation

Question 6

Cabinet secretaries are appointed by ____ and confirmed by _____.

Answer 6

The president; the senate

Question 7

Before 1883, how were government jobs awarded?

Answer 7

Government jobs were awarded based on applicant’s loyalty to the party in power

Question 8

How do standard operating procedures influence bureaucratic decision making?

Answer 8

Promote uniform application of rules

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of departments and agencies within the federal bureaucracy?

Answer 9

Implementing public policies

Question 10

Which of these statements about the bureaucracy is most accurate?

Answer 10

Americans dislike bureaucracies

Question 11

Which circumstance creates a challenge to the implementation of federal laws?

Answer 11

When congress passes a law that contains ambiguity

Question 12

What factor contributed to the growth of federal bureaucracy during the twentieth century?

Answer 12

Increased demands upon government during the Great Depression

Question 13

____ are rules created by government agencies that determine how laws are implemented

Answer 13

Regulations

Question 14

In the process and structure of public policy-making, “iron-triangles” refer to the

Answer 14

Networks of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that strongly influence the policy process

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the policies related to firing federal civil servants?

Answer 15

It is often difficult and time-consuming to fire a civil servant

Question 16

What is implementation?

Answer 16

Process by which a law or policy is put into practice

Question 17

Which of the following statements best describes the presidential influence over agency budgets?

Answer 17

The President influences the initial budget proposal, but depends on Congress for appropriations of federal money

Question 18

Which of the following agencies is most removed presidential and congressional control?

Answer 18

Federal reserve system

Question 19

What was the purpose of the Hatch Act?

Answer 19

To prohibit federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities

Question 20

Under what circumstances are bureaucrats most likely to exercise discretion?

Answer 20

When an agency is implementing a law that contains ambiguity

Question 21

Why was the Voting Rights Act successful?

Answer 21

Because the goals of the policy were clearly stated

Question 22

How did the Pendleton Act reform the system of hiring and firing federal employees?

Answer 22

It required hiring and firing decisions to be based on merit rather than partisan loyalty

Question 23

When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and adjudicate disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constitutional concept of _____

Answer 23

separation of powers

Question 24

What role is the Environmental Protection Agency taking when it sets limits on air pollution from power plants?

Answer 24

Regulation

Question 25

Which Cabinet department did Congress create shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks?

Answer 25

Department of Homeland Security

Question 26

What event served as a catalyst for the creation of the Pendleton Act?

Answer 26

The assassination of James Garfield in 1881

Question 27

How do government corporations differ from private companies?

Answer 27

Government corporations can’t sell stocks, whereas private companies can

Question 28

How are Cabinet secretaries similar to independent agency administrators?

Answer 28

Both are appointed by the president

Question 29

Under the spoils system, who was awarded jobs in the federal bureaucracy?

Answer 29

Those who helped candidates win elections

Question 30

Which of the following is an example of a bureaucratic organization?

Answer 30

Department of Defense

Question 31

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Environmental Protection Agency are examples of ________

Answer 31

independent agencies

Question 32

______ refers to the authority of administrators in the federal bureaucracy to make choices concerning the best way to implement policies

Answer 32

Discretion

Question 33

The civil service system was introduced following the passage of what law? federal job based on merit

Answer 33

Pendleton Act

Question 34

The first step in obtaining a civil service job is usually _____

Answer 34

taking a test

Question 35

How do departments differ from independent agencies?

Answer 35

Department heads are part of the president’s cabinet; agency heads are not

Question 36

All of the following make it difficult for the president to control the actions of federal agencies EXCEPT ______

Answer 36

the appointment of cabinet heads

Question 37

What is a goal common to both the Pendleton Act and the Hatch Act?

Answer 37

Reducing the influence of partisan politics on the federal bureaucracy

Question 38

Why do its proponents argue that deregulation is good public policy?

Answer 38

Eliminating costly regulations make US products more competitive in the world marketplace

Question 39

Which of the following was a consequence of the spoil, or patronage, system?

Answer 39

The federal bureaucracy was staffed with people who lacked expertise