Policy-Making Flashcards
What is Lobbying?
Lobbying is any legal action used by an interest group to influence the decisions of government officials.
What is an Interest Group?
A group of people who share a common interest and work together to influence and pressure policymakers.
What are examples of Lobbying?
Offering expertise to policymakers, writing legislation, or providing information
What is Amicus Curiae?
An organization or individual who is an uninvolved party in a legal case. They can provide information, expertise, or insight on the issue of the case. They do this because winning the case may further their agenda.
What is bureaucratic discretion?
Bureaucrats such as members of Congress, have the power to decide how policies can be implemented.
How may bureaucratic discretion hinder interest groups?
The bureaucracy may not implement the law or how they desired.
What are mandatory programs?
It consists of entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, and the required payments on government debt interest. Occurs each year without change.
What are discretionary programs?
Money formally approved every year by Congress and the President. Examples are National Defense, the USPS, and other federal agencies and programs.
What is the Iron Triangle?
The Iron Triangle consists of interest groups, Congress, and Bureaucrats. Interest groups provide information and support for Congress to make new laws and provide funds for that interest to be executed by the bureaucrat.
What Enumerated powers does Congress have?
The power to raise money, declare war, coin money, pass the federal budget, and enact some legislation.
What is a Rider Bill or Logrolling?
An additional provision added to a bill that may have little or none to do with the original subject matter of the bill.
