Ap Gov Chapter 7

What is the primary role of the federal bureaucracy?

To execute and implement the laws passed by Congress.

What organization is described as the nation's leading science-based service organization that protects public health?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What major health crisis did the federal bureaucracy respond to in 2020?

The COVID-19 pandemic.

What was the unemployment rate impact during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020?

25 percent of the nation's workforce lost their jobs.

What historical public health measure originated from the Venetian government in the 1300s?

Quarantine.

Who became synonymous with the federal government's response to COVID-19?

Dr. Anthony Fauci.

What position did Dr. Anthony Fauci hold within the National Institutes of Health?

Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

What significant award did Dr. Fauci receive in 2008?

The Presidential Medal of Freedom.

What is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What percentage of the NIH budget is awarded in competitive grants?

84 percent.

What are two major agencies included in the Public Health Service?

The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What was a common perception of the federal bureaucracy during the pandemic?

That it was either too powerful or too incompetent.

What did Dr. Fauci identify as barriers to effective public health response during the pandemic?

Divisive politics and a fractured health-care system.

What was the historical origin of the National Institutes of Health?

It has roots in the Marine Hospital Service established in 1798.

What is the main function of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

To approve and regulate drugs and medical devices.

What did Americans frequently experience in their interactions with the bureaucracy?

Contact in their personal or professional lives.

What did the COVID-19 pandemic reveal about the federal bureaucracy?

Its complexity and crucial role in policy implementation.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic compare to the 1918 flu epidemic?

It was the worst epidemic since the 1918 flu.

What did Dr. Fauci achieve in the 1980s?

He became the nation's leader in dealing with the HIV crisis.

What is the role of the CDC?

To protect the public from the spread of disease.

What challenge did the federal bureaucracy face during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Overwhelmed hospitals and a lack of capacity to care for patients.

What is a common campaign promise regarding the federal bureaucracy?

To reform a bloated and inefficient bureaucracy.

What did Dr. Fauci emphasize about the scientific community during the pandemic?

The rapid development of a vaccine.

What is the relationship between the federal bureaucracy and state governments in public health?

State governments pursued their own policies to combat COVID-19.

What does the term 'bureaucracy' refer to?

An organization designed to carry out specific tasks according to rules and procedures.

What is a significant aspect of public health that the federal government has been responsible for?

Managing public health crises like epidemics.

What did Dr. Fauci reflect on regarding the government's pandemic response?

Shortcomings in uniformity of response and communication.

How does the federal bureaucracy impact the daily lives of Americans?

It regulates aspects like time zones, product safety, labor practices, and environmental standards.

What has driven the growth of the federal bureaucracy over time?

Population growth, increased complexity of government tasks, and citizen demands for services.

What is the current size of the federal bureaucracy as of 2023?

More than two million civilian employees.

What constitutional article lays the foundation for the federal bureaucracy?

Article II, which outlines the executive branch.

Who is responsible for nominating cabinet secretaries?

The president, with Senate approval required.

What was the role of the Secretary of State in George Washington's cabinet?

To oversee foreign policy and negotiate treaties.

What department did Alexander Hamilton lead, and what was his goal?

He led the Department of the Treasury, aiming to expand the federal government's role in economic affairs.

What major change occurred in the Department of War in 1947?

It was consolidated into the Department of Defense.

What is the primary function of the Department of Agriculture?

To promote farming and ensure food safety.

What does the Department of Justice supervise?

Federal prisons and investigates violations of federal law.

When was the Department of Labor established?

1913.

What is the main task of the Department of Health and Human Services?

To administer Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.

What does the Department of Housing and Urban Development focus on?

Fair-housing practices and subsidizing housing for low-income Americans.

What year was the Department of Transportation established?

1966.

What is the purpose of the Department of Energy?

To oversee energy production and conservation efforts.

What does the Department of Education fund?

Federal efforts to improve educational outcomes and provide loans for college students.

What is the role of the Department of Veterans Affairs?

To administer federal benefits for veterans and their dependents.

What was the significance of the Pendleton Act of 1883?

It created the first United States Civil Service Commission to establish a merit-based civil service.

How did President Andrew Jackson influence the federal bureaucracy?

He used political patronage to fill positions, which led to the need for standardized procedures.

What was one consequence of the patronage system in the bureaucracy?

It made the bureaucracy more impartial and driven by standard operating procedures.

What is the main function of the Department of Homeland Security?

To protect the nation from terrorism and respond to natural disasters.

What does the Department of Commerce promote?

Economic activity and job creation.

What is the role of the Department of Labor?

To oversee workplace safety and federal minimum wage.

What does the Department of Transportation oversee?

Federal policy in highway development, rail and air travel, and port safety.

What year was the Department of Veterans Affairs established?

1989.

What does the Department of Energy support?

Research and implementation of energy production.

What is the primary task of the Department of Justice?

To advise the president and cabinet on legal matters.

What was the original purpose of the Department of Commerce and Labor?

To promote economic activity and job creation before being split into two departments.

What act created the first United States Civil Service Commission?

The Pendleton Act of 1883

What is the primary purpose of the United States Civil Service Commission?

To draw up and enforce rules on hiring, promotion, and tenure of office within the civil service.

What system is used for hiring and promoting federal civil service members?

A merit system based on competitive testing results, educational attainment, and other qualifications.

What restrictions are placed on civil service workers regarding political participation?

They cannot be forced or coerced by superiors into donating to or participating in political campaigns.

What percentage of federal bureaucrats were covered by the Pendleton Act by 2023?

More than 90 percent.

What is the definition of federal bureaucracy?

The departments and agencies within the executive branch that carry out the laws of the nation.

What is a bureaucrat?

An official employed within a government entity.

Define political patronage.

Filling of administrative positions as a reward for political support rather than merit.

What does the federal civil service exclude?

The armed forces and political appointments.

What is the merit system?

A system of hiring and promotion based on competitive testing results, education, and other qualifications rather than politics.

How does a merit-based civil service advance democratic government goals?

By ensuring professionalism and neutrality in the enforcement of regulations.

What is the role of the president in relation to the federal bureaucracy?

To ensure that the executive branch's bureaucracy faithfully executes the laws of the nation.

What are cabinet departments responsible for?

Major areas of public policy, each established and funded by Congress.

How many cabinet departments are there in the federal bureaucracy?

Fifteen.

What is the newest cabinet department formed in response to national security concerns?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

What is the function of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)?

To oversee security at transportation hubs, including airports.

What is the structure of authority in the federal bureaucracy?

It is structured like a pyramid, with executive political appointees at the top.

How many political appointees in the executive branch require Senate confirmation?

About 1,200.

What is the main challenge faced by cabinet secretaries?

Balancing the demands of the president, Congress, and the public while managing their departments.

What is the significance of the merit-based civil service system?

It emphasizes professionalism and expertise in policy areas.

What was a major concern that led to the establishment of the Pendleton Act?

Corruption associated with the patronage system.

What is the impact of a merit-based civil service on the growth of the federal bureaucracy?

It may limit growth compared to a patronage system due to its focus on qualifications over political connections.

What is one advantage of a civil service system in policymaking?

It promotes neutrality and uniform enforcement of regulations.

What is the role of cabinet secretaries?

To manage their departments and implement laws as directed by the president.

What are the main administrative units in the federal bureaucracy?

The fifteen cabinet departments.

What is the relationship between cabinet secretaries and Congress?

Cabinet secretaries depend on Congress for funding and legislation that sets goals for their departments.

What is the significance of the Pendleton Act in the context of civil service reform?

It marked the transition from a patronage system to a merit-based system for federal employment.

What does the horizontal axis in the first graph represent regarding cabinet diversity?

The percent of Women elected as members of the cabinet.

What were the percentages of Women in the cabinets of Obama, Trump, and Biden?

Obama: 36%, Trump: 18%, Biden: 45%.

What does the horizontal axis in the second graph represent?

The percent of Non-White appointees elected as members of the cabinet.

What were the percentages of Non-White appointees in the cabinets of Obama, Trump, and Biden?

Obama: 45%, Trump: 18%, Biden: 55%.

What does the horizontal axis in the third graph represent?

The percent of White men elected as members of the cabinet.

What were the percentages of White men in the cabinets of Obama, Trump, and Biden?

Obama: 32%, Trump: 73%, Biden: 32%.

What does the horizontal axis in the fourth graph represent?

Government Experience for elected members of the cabinet.

What were the percentages of Government Experience in the cabinets of Obama, Trump, and Biden?

Obama: 86%, Trump: 68%, Biden: 95%.

What is the role of the Senior Executive Service (SES) in the federal bureaucracy?

SES members enjoy job security and are expected to achieve concrete results.

What is the merit system in the context of federal civil service?

It governs entrance and advancement based on competitive examinations, educational qualifications, and performance reviews.

What is an iron triangle?

A durable relationship among the bureaucracy, Congress, and interest groups that work together to achieve shared policy goals.

What are the three components of an iron triangle?

Bureaucracy, Congress, and Interest Groups.

What is the main benefit of the iron triangle for its members?

Each member helps the others achieve their policy goals.

What is an issue network?

A temporary coalition formed to address a specific policy issue.

How do issue networks differ from iron triangles?

Issue networks are often temporary and involve more interests than iron triangles.

What is the impact of the merit system on career civil servants?

It provides them with protections from termination, ensuring consistency in policy implementation.

What are the advantages of policies that protect civil servants from termination?

They provide job security and consistency in policy implementation across administrations.

What are the disadvantages of policies that protect civil servants from termination?

They may hinder accountability and flexibility in responding to changing political priorities.