Bureaucracy part two

What is implementation?

process by which agencies translate laws and policies into practical actions

The civil service act of 1883

established a merit-based system for federal employment, replacing the "spoils system"

What is the spoil system?

jobs were awarded based on political connections rather than qualifications

The federal employees have increased or decrease since the 1950s

Decrease

Why are public bureaucracy powerful

their role in implementing laws and policies, their expertise in specific areas, and their ability to maintain continuity and efficiency in government operations, even when political leadership changes

What’s a LINE agency

administrative unit within a government or organization that is directly involved in carrying out the primary objectives and core functions of that entity

Why were civil servants given protection over getting fired

ensure government operates based on merit and expertise, not political whims, and to prevent corruption and improper influence

Avg time to implement an administrative rule

typically takes two to three years.

What is an admistative rule

general statement adopted by an agency to make the law it enforces or administers more specific or to govern the agency's organization or procedure

Merit system

hiring, promotion, and retention are based on demonstrated ability and performance

Regulatory agency

a government body established to oversee and enforce laws within a specific area of responsibility

What is an iron triangle

mutually supportive, three-way political relationship, involving Congress, government bureaucrats, and special interest lobby groups

Primary mission of the state department

advises the President and leads the nation in foreign policy issues

Health and human services and what do they do

protecting the health of Americans and providing essential human services, encompassing programs like Medicare and Medicaid, public health initiatives, and social services.

Why is the director of national intelligence important

serve as the head of the U.S. Intelligence Community, ensuring the President and other key decision-makers receive timely

Patriot act

passed in 2001 to increase national security and fight terrorism

What does the US Northern command do?

defending the continental United States and Alaska, and for coordinating with the defenses of Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas

Purpose of the IRS

collecting federal taxes and enforcing tax laws

Edward Snowden

former NSA intelligence contractor and whistleblower who leaked classified documents revealing the existence of global surveillance programs

What is the federal reserve system

central bank of the US, responsible for managing the nation's monetary policy and regulating the financial system to promote a stable and healthy economy

What is devolution

the transfer of power or authority from a central government to regional or local governments

Purpose of the congressional budget office

provides Congress with objective, nonpartisan, and timely information, analyses, and estimates related to federal economic and budgetary decisions to support the Congressional budget process

Congressional oversight

review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies

how does congress reel in bureaucracy

legislative and investigative oversight functions, personnel selection and staffing, and the budget

Cabinet departments

15 departments are headed by a Secretary who sits on the President's Cabinet and are responsible for broad areas of government policy

Independent executive agencies

part of the executive branch but are not part of any cabinet department. They are responsible for carrying out specific functions and are headed by a single administrator or a small board

Government corporations

businesses owned and operated by the government to provide public services

The civil service reform act of 1978

Expanded the Pendleton act and included women to work in the bureaucracy.

Office of personal management

Runs the merit system and coordinates the federal application process for jobs and hiring

Delegated Discretionary authority

Power delegated to agencies by congress to interpret laws and create regulations in their respective departments

Committee hearings

Congress call in the heads of departments and they testify and give reports on their progress and carrying out the law

President

Can appoint new new heads of agency or use executive order to bring the agency in line with the agenda

Judicial branch

someone can sue the agency that broke the law and it could go through judicial review

Legislative branch

establishing budgets, holding oversight hearings, and confirming or rejecting presidential appointments