Federal Bureaucracy and Its Functions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to federal bureaucracy, its structure, historical context, functions, and control mechanisms.

Bureaucracy

A complex structure of offices, tasks, and rules where employees have specific responsibilities and work within a hierarchy of authority.

4th Branch of Government

A term often used to describe the bureaucracy as a key component of the government.

Bureaucrat

A career government employee working within the bureaucratic system.

Patronage System

A system where government jobs are given to individuals based on their political connections rather than merit.

Spoils System

A practice of political patronage where a political party gives government jobs to its supporters.

Pendleton Act

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 that established a merit-based system for government employment.

Civil Service System

A system that ensures government jobs are awarded based on merit and not political connections.

Civil Servants

Employees of the government who work within the civil service system.

General Schedule Rating

A system used to determine the pay scale for federal employees, ranging from G1 to G18.

Senior Executive Service (SES)

A system for the selection and compensation of top federal executives.

Hatch Act

A law that restricts political activities of federal employees to ensure neutrality.

Regulatory State

A government that regulates industries and business practices to protect public interest.

Devolution (1994)

The transfer of authority and responsibility from the federal government to state and local governments.

Street Level Bureaucrat

Public service workers who interact directly with citizens and provide services.

Red Tape

Excessive bureaucratic rules and procedures that slow down processes.

Standard Operating Procedure

Established procedures and guidelines for carrying out specific tasks within bureaucracy.

Independent Executive Agencies

Agencies that operate independently of the executive departments and are responsible for specific functions.

Government Corporations

Government agencies that operate like private businesses but serve a public purpose.

Quasi-Governmental Agency

Organizations that have both government and private sector characteristics.

Independent Regulatory Commissions

Agencies created by Congress to regulate specific economic activities.

Foundations

Non-profit organizations that provide funding and resources for specific causes or initiatives.

Congressional Oversight

The power of Congress to monitor and supervise federal agencies and programs.

Power of the Purse

Congress's ability to influence policy through funding decisions.

Police Patrol Oversight

A proactive approach where Congress actively monitors agencies to ensure compliance.

Fire Alarm Oversight

A reactive approach where Congress responds to reports of agency misbehavior.

Reorganization Power

The President's authority to reorganize the bureaucracy with congressional approval.