Bureaucracy

Patronage System or Spoils System

The practice of political parties or leaders, after winning an election, rewarding their supporters by giving them government jobs. Established at the national level during the presidency of Andrew Jackson.

Pendleton Act of 1883

Federal legislation which created a system in which federal employees were chosen on the basis of competitive examinations, therefore making merit, or demonstrated ability, the reason for hiring people to fill federal positions. The assassination of President Garfield prompted its passage.

Cabinet Department

One of the 15 departments of the executive branch (State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Education, Energy, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs).

Clientele Department

A department of government whose mission is to promote, serve, or represent a particular interest group such as farmers, workers, or veterans.

Government Corporation

A government organization that, like business corporations, provides a service for which it charges money. The U.S. Postal Service or Amtrak are examples.

Regulatory Agency

An administrative agency that is not considered part of the government's executive branch and is not subject to the authority of the president. Independent agency officials cannot be removed without cause.

Congressional Oversight

Congress has the authority to conduct hearings, investigations, and budget reviews of the actions by the various departments and agencies that make up the executive branch.

Fire Alarm Oversight

A method of oversight in which members of Congress respond to complaints about the bureaucracy or problems of implementation only as they arise rather than exercising constant vigilance.

Police Patrol Oversight

a method of oversight in which members of congress constantly monitor the bureaucracy to make sure that laws are implemented correctly