Bureaucracy Review

spoils system

refers to the system in which govt jobs are awared based on political loyalty rather than merit

cabinet department

govt organization within the federal bur. that carries out specific govt tasks, such as DOE

govt corporation

govt agency that operates like a business and provides services that could be provided by the private sector, like the US Postal Service

IEA

govt agencies that exist outside of the cabinet dept., like NASA, and are responsible for specific functions that. do not fit under the broader scope of the cabinet

IRC

govt bodies that regulate specific areas of the economy, such as the federal communications commission or Securities and exchange commission

iron triangle

describes the close relationship between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subscommittees that work together to influence public policy

issue network

networks of various acotrs — interest groups, congressional members, bureaucrats, and other stakeholders — that work together to influence policy on a particular issue

red tape

refers to the excessive complexity and bureaucratic procedures that often slow down govt. operations, making it difficult for citizens to navigate

civil service

involve hiring and promoting govt. employees based on their qualifications and competitive exams, rather than political connections

patronage

involves the appointment of loyal political supporters to govt. jobs. asa reward for helping a candidate win office

pendleton act

passed to establish merit-based hiring in federal jobs, replacing the spoils system with a more professional civil service

hatch act

restricts the political activities of federal employees, particularly when it comes to campaigning for political candidates while on the job

rulemaking

the process by which administrative agencies create rules that have the force of law, often to implement leglislation passed by congress

regulations

official rules or directives issued by the govt agencies that govern public behavior in specific area, like environmental regulations or safety standards

regulatory agencies

agencies that oversee the implementation and enforcement of specific regulations, such as the EPA

discretionary authority

refers to the authority granted to bureaucrats to make decisions and interpret laws or regulations with the scope of their agency's mission