AP US Government 2.12-2.15 Vocabulary

Vocabulary for the bureaucracy

Federal bureaucracy

The thousands of federal government agencies and institutions that implement and administer federal laws and programs

executive departments

Major administrative units with responsibility for a broad area of government operations.

executive agency

Governmental units that closely resemble a cabinet department but have narrower areas of responsibility and perform services rather than regulatory functions

Independent regulatory commission

An entity created by congress outside a major executive department that regulates a specified interest or economic activity

Government corporation

Businesses established by congress to perform functions that private businesses could provide, such as USPS or Amtrak.

Iron triangle

The relatively ironclad relationships and patterns of interaction that occur among agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subcommittees.

Issue network

The loose and informal relationships that exist among a large number of actors who work in broad policy areas

Civil service

A system of government employment where individuals are hired based on merit and qualifications, rather than political affiliations. They work for government agencies and are responsible for implementing public policies and providing services to the public.

merit system

A system of employment based on qualifications, test scores, and ability, rather than party loyalty

patronage

Jobs, grants, or other special favors that are given as rewards to friends and political allies for their support.

Discretionary power

the ability of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement congressional or executive intentions

rulemaking

A quasi-legislative process resulting in regulations that have the characteristics of a legislative act

Department of Homeland Security

Cabinet department created after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to coordinate domestic security efforts

Department of Transportation

Cabinet Department responsible for overseeing and regulating transportation systems and infrastructure. Manages roadways, airports, railways, and public transit systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and accessibility for the public.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Cabinet Department responsible for US military veterans

Department of Education

Cabinet department responsible for schools, colleges, and universities in America

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

independent agency of the United States government tasked with environmental protection matters.

Federal Elections Commission (FEC)

An independent regulatory agency founded in 1975 by the United States Congress to regulate the campaign finance legislation in the United States

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

independent agency of the United States federal government, created in the aftermath of the Wall Street Crash of 1929. The primary purpose is to enforce the law against market manipulation.

oversight

includes the review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation. Congress exercises this power largely through its congressional committee system.

Power of the purse

The influence that legislatures have over public policy because of their power to vote money for public purposes. Bureaus must get authorization before spending money

Compliance monitoring

Activities undertaken by bureaus to establish whether a process or procedure is carried out by corporations in conformance with relevant external requirements, whether set through legislation, regulations, or directions.