Ap gov bureaucracy

What is the purpose of federal agencies?

Federal agencies enforce laws, create regulations, and oversee government programs by interpreting and implementing congressional legislation.

What does the FEC (Federal Election Commission) do?

Regulates campaign finance, enforces laws on donations and spending, and ensures transparency in elections.

What is the purpose of federal agencies?

Federal agencies enforce laws, create regulations, and oversee government programs by interpreting and implementing congressional legislation.

What does the FEC (Federal Election Commission) do?

Regulates campaign finance, enforces laws on donations and spending, and ensures transparency in elections.

What does the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) do?

Regulates the stock market, prevents fraud, and enforces financial laws to protect investors.

What does the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) do?

Collects federal taxes, enforces tax laws, and conducts audits.

What does the SSA (Social Security Administration) do?

Manages Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

What does the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) do?

Regulates pollution, enforces environmental laws, and protects natural resources.

What are regulations?

Rules created by federal agencies to enforce laws passed by Congress, which have the force of law.

What is discretionary authority?

The power of federal agencies to decide how to implement and enforce laws.

What is bureaucratic rule-making?

The process by which federal agencies create specific regulations based on broad laws.

What is an Iron Triangle?

A close relationship between a federal agency, congressional committee, and interest group that influences policy-making.

Who are lobbyists?

People who work for interest groups to influence lawmakers through persuasion, research, and campaign donations.

What are interest groups?

Organizations that advocate for specific policies (e.g., NRA, ACLU, Sierra Club) by lobbying and fundraising.

What are PACs (Political Action Committees)?

Groups that raise and donate money to political candidates to support their causes.

What are Super PACs?

Organizations that can raise unlimited money for political ads but cannot coordinate directly with campaigns (Citizens United ruling).

What was the ruling in Buckley v. Valeo (1976)?

Candidates can spend unlimited money on their own campaigns, but Congress can limit individual donations to candidates.

What was the ruling in Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?

Corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on political ads, leading to the rise of Super PACs.

What is congressional oversight?

Congress monitors federal agencies through hearings, investigations, budget control, and rewriting laws.

How does Congress control bureaucratic power?

By holding hearings, controlling funding, confirming/rejecting appointments, and revising laws.