Bureaucracy Terminology for Unit Test and AP Exam

Flashcards covering key terminology in bureaucracy, essential for understanding governmental operations and preparations for the Unit Test and AP Exam.

Rulemaking

The process by which agencies create regulations, allowing for public input and legal challenges.

Red Tape

Bureaucratic procedures, regulations, and paperwork that slow down government processes.

Civil Service

The permanent, professional workforce of the government, responsible for day-to-day tasks.

Iron Triangle

A close relationship between interest groups, agencies, and congressional committees, where each supports the others.

Executive Agencies

Agencies that enforce laws and report directly to the President.

Bureaucracy

A large administrative organization that carries out the day-to-day tasks of enforcing policies and laws.

Government Corporations

Government-owned businesses that provide services to the public, like Amtrak.

Interest Groups

Organizations, like advocacy groups, that try to influence government policy.

Administrative Law

The law that governs how regulations are made and enforced by bureaucratic agencies.

Independent Agencies

Agencies outside of any department with a specific mission, like the Federal Reserve.

Departments

The largest agencies that handle big policy areas, like Defense or Health and Human Services.

Mission Creep

When agencies slowly expand their responsibilities over time beyond what they were originally supposed to do.

Regulatory Agencies

Agencies that enforce rules in specific industries, like the SEC or FCC.

Executive

The branch of government responsible for carrying out laws and policies, including the President and executive agencies.