Understanding the U.S. Federal Bureaucracy

These flashcards review the types, functions, examples, and sources of power of U.S. federal bureaucratic agencies as discussed in the lecture.

What is another name for cabinet-level agencies in the federal bureaucracy?

Executive departments.

How many executive departments currently exist in the U.S. federal government?

Fifteen.

Which executive department is headed by an Attorney General instead of a Secretary?

The Department of Justice.

Give two examples of well-known executive departments frequently mentioned in the media.

The State Department and the Department of Defense (Treasury is also common).

Name two sub-agencies housed within executive departments.

The FBI (within Justice) and the FDA (within Health and Human Services).

What distinguishes an independent agency from an executive department?

It is not housed within a cabinet department, but its head still requires Senate confirmation (e.g., CIA, NASA).

Which type of agency is typically labeled a "commission" and enjoys greater removal from presidential control?

Independent regulatory commissions.

List three examples of independent regulatory commissions.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

What enforcement power do independent regulatory commissions commonly possess?

Rule-making authority and the ability to punish violations, often through fines.

Which form of federal agency is expected to be self-financing but usually relies on subsidies?

Government corporations.

Provide two well-known examples of government corporations.

The U.S. Postal Service and Amtrak.

What is one primary function of client-serving agencies such as the FDA and CDC?

Providing services directly to the public, like testing drugs or controlling disease.

Which department’s sub-agencies (e.g., IRS, DHS) mainly focus on “maintaining the union”?

Internal revenue and security functions fall under Treasury/IRS and Homeland Security/Justice, respectively.

Which agency collects federal revenue, thereby helping maintain the union?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Name an agency housed in the Department of Labor that enforces workplace safety regulations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Which agencies primarily handle redistribution of economic resources through fiscal and monetary policy?

Agencies involved in taxation, spending, interest-rate decisions, and programs like Social Security Administration.

What are two main sources of bureaucratic power once agencies are created?

(1) Maximizing and lobbying for larger budgets; (2) Possessing specialized expertise and information.

Which branch of government initially delegates power to federal bureaucracies?

Congress.