Topic: 2.12 - Vocabulary

Federal bureaucracy

Federal bureaucracy

The administrative organization of the government that implements and enforces laws and regulations. It consists of various departments, agencies, and offices responsible for specific functions such as national security, healthcare, and taxation. It is headed by the President and includes civil servants and political appointees who work together to carry out government policies and programs.

Civil service system

A merit-based system for hiring government employees based on their qualifications and abilities, rather than political affiliations or personal connections. It aims to ensure a professional and impartial bureaucracy, promoting efficiency and fairness in public administration.

Civil service commission

It is a specific administrative entity tasked with managing this system, overseeing recruitment, classification, employee relations, training, and policy development within the civil service. Its role is pivotal in maintaining a professional, effective, and impartial public sector workforce. It was later replaced by the OPM

Civil service Reform Act (1978)

Legislation passed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal civil service system in the United States. It established the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to oversee personnel management policies, merit-based hiring, and employee performance evaluations. The act aimed to reduce political influence in hiring and promotion decisions, enhance employee rights and protections, and improve government operations overall.

Compliance monitoring

Process of overseeing and ensuring adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies within an organization. It involves regular assessments, audits, and reviews to identify and address any non-compliance issues. Its purpose is to mitigate risks, maintain ethical standards, and promote a culture of compliance.

“Iron Triangles”

A term used to describe the relationship between interest groups, Congress, and the bureaucracy, often resulting in the formation of policy-making alliances. This network of relationships can influence the policy-making process and can be difficult to break or change.

Issue networks

Informal alliances of individuals, interest groups, and organizations that work together to shape public policy on specific issues. They collaborate to influence decision-making processes, share resources, and lobby policymakers. They are flexible and can form and dissolve as issues evolve.

Patronage

Practice of granting favors, jobs, or political appointments to individuals in exchange for their support or loyalty. Often used by politicians to reward supporters and maintain power. Can lead to corruption and favoritism in government.

Spoils system

A practice where political leaders appoint their supporters to government positions, regardless of qualifications or merit.

Merit system

Definition: A system of employment and promotion based on qualifications, skills, and performance rather than political or personal connections. It aims to ensure fairness and efficiency in hiring and advancement processes within organizations, including government agencies. It included written exams for many applicants

National Performance Review

A government initiative launched in 1993 by President Bill Clinton to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of federal agencies. It aimed to streamline operations, reduce bureaucracy, and cut costs. It recommended various reforms, such as reinventing government processes, empowering employees, and utilizing technology. Its goal was to place more discretionary responsibility with the agencies.

Office of Personal Management (OPM)

The federal agency is responsible for managing the civil service workforce, providing human resources services, and ensuring the integrity of government employment. It oversees recruitment, benefits, and retirement programs for federal employees. It runs the Merit System

Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883)

U.S. law that established the merit-based system for hiring federal employees, replacing the spoils system of political patronage. It aimed to ensure that government positions were filled based on qualifications and performance rather than political affiliation.

Hatch Act (1939)

Restricts political activities of federal employees. Prohibits using official positions for political purposes. Aims to ensure nonpartisanship and impartiality. Enforced by Office of Special Counsel.