American Bureaucracy Chapter Review

What is a bureaucracy?

A hierarchical government organization that implements laws and policies.

Who are bureaucrats?

Non-elected government officials who administer programs and enforce laws.

What is the primary role of the federal bureaucracy?

To implement and enforce laws passed by Congress.

What is rulemaking?

The process by which agencies create detailed regulations to implement laws.

What law governs federal agency rulemaking and requires public notice and comment?

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

What is the Federal Register?

A daily publication where federal agencies publish proposed and final regulations.

What is the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)?

An agency that reviews federal budgets and regulatory proposals to align them with the president’s priorities.

What is the merit system?

Hiring and promotion based on qualifications and competence, not political connections.

What law established the merit system for federal hiring?

The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883.

What is a political appointee?

A person appointed by the president, usually serving at the president’s pleasure.

What is the Senior Executive Service (SES)?

The top career federal managers who lead agencies and programs.

What is the principal-agent problem?

When bureaucrats act in their own interest rather than following the intentions of Congress.

What is regulatory capture?

When an agency favors the interests of the industry it regulates over the public interest.

What is red tape?

Complex bureaucratic procedures that can delay decisions but ensure fairness and compliance.

What is mission creep?

When agencies gradually expand their responsibilities beyond their original mandate.

What is an independent regulatory commission?

An agency designed to operate independently of political influence, often led by a multi-member board.

What is a government corporation?

A government agency that operates like a private business but receives federal funding.

Name two examples of government corporations.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) and Amtrak.

Which federal agency conducts the U.S. Census?

The Commerce Department.

Which agency regulates food and drug safety?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What is the role of the Inspector General in federal agencies?

To investigate fraud, waste, and abuse within the agency.

What is the purpose of Congressional oversight?

To monitor, supervise, and review agency actions to ensure accountability.

What is privatization in government?

Transferring government services to private companies while maintaining government funding and oversight.

What is the Hatch Act?

A law limiting political activities of federal employees to maintain neutrality.

What does the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) do?

Grants the public the right to request and access federal government records.

What protections does the Whistleblower Protection Act provide?

Protection from retaliation for federal employees who report wrongdoing.

What is the major questions doctrine?

The principle that agencies need clear congressional authorization to regulate on major issues.

Which Supreme Court case established judicial deference to agency interpretations of statutes?

Chevron U.S.A. v. Natural Resources Defense Council (1984).

Which case limited EPA’s power without clear congressional authorization?

West Virginia v. EPA (2022).

What does the Government Accountability Office (GAO) do?

Audits federal spending and provides reports to Congress.

What is the Congressional Research Service (CRS)?

A nonpartisan agency providing policy analysis to Congress.

What is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?

Provides budgetary and economic analyses to Congress.

How does the merit system promote fairness in hiring?

By basing employment on qualifications rather than political loyalty.

What is a mission statement in a federal agency?

A statement defining the agency’s purpose and goals.

How can bureaucratic discretion lead to challenges?

It may result in inconsistent or self-interested actions by agencies.

What is the function of political appointees?

To help advance the president’s policy agenda within agencies.

What role does public comment play in rulemaking?

It allows citizens and interest groups to provide input on proposed regulations.

Why might Congress delegate policymaking to agencies?

Agencies have expertise and can adapt quickly to complex issues.

What is the difference between executive departments and independent agencies?

Executive departments are headed by Cabinet secretaries under presidential control; independent agencies operate with more autonomy.

How does Congress limit presidential control over some agencies?

By setting terms of office and removal protections for agency officials.