AP US Gov Chapter 7 Vocab

bureaucracy

the hierarchical organization of executive branch employees; made up of various cabinet departments and agencies contained therein

compliance monitoring

the job of bureaucratic agencies to make sure that firms and companies are following industry standards

iron triangle

the strong interdependent relationships between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group

issue networks

a group of committee members, experts, advocates, academics, and interest groups that come together to form policy around one specific issue (they may disagree on most other issues)

Civil Service Commission

bipartisan group created by the Pendleton Act to oversee the appointment of individuals to federal positions and ensure the merit system was being used

Civil Service Reform Act (1978)

legislation that altered how a bureaucrat is dismissed, attempted to balance genders in the bureaucracy, and promoted merit and performance among federal employees

merit system

system of bureaucratic job applications created by the Pendleton Act; appoints people to positions based on qualifications; included written tests for many applicants

National Performance Review

Clinton-era project to identify problems with the bureaucracy, offer solutions for government savings, and reduce inefficiency

Office of Personnel Management

the federal office that manages the merit system and manages the hiring and firing of bureaucratic employees

patronage

the practice of giving bureaucratic positions to the most loyal members of the party, rather than those qualified for the job

Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883)

legislation which effectively ended patronage and the spoils system

spoils system

the system of patronage

Administrative Procedures Act (1946)

Code of Federal Regulations

Department of Education

delegated discretionary authority

the power to interpret legislation and create rules for industries; given to the bureaucracy by Congress in order to effectively carry out Congressional legislation

Department of Homeland Security

Department of Transportation

Securities and Exchange Commission

Federal Election Commission

Federal Register

independent regulatory agencies

notice and comment opportunity

Department of Veterans Affairs

Environmental Protection Agency

appropriations

authorization of spending

congressional oversight

power of the purse

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs

compliance monitoring

Whistleblower Protection Act (1989)

legislative veto