Political Science 1100 – Bureaucracy

Flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to Bureaucracy in Political Science 1100.

Bureau

A complex structure of offices, tasks, and rules used by institutions to coordinate the work of personnel.

Cracy

Derived from Greek, meaning rule or form of rule.

Bureaucracy

A system that requires repetition and specialization to effectively coordinate tasks within large institutions.

Line of Authority

The hierarchy that outlines how bureaucracies are created and managed by various levels of government.

Merit System

A hiring process based on qualifications and exams rather than political connections.

Spoils System

A hiring process in which jobs and promotions are given based on political connections and loyalty.

Bureaucratic Rationalization

The process of thinking clearly and neutrally about decisions, focusing on weighing costs and benefits.

Iron Cage

A metaphor used by Weber to describe a situation where individuals are trapped in a system of strict rationality and bureaucracy.

Analysis Paralysis

A situation where excessive rationalization leads to indecision and inaction.

Bureaucratic Life Cycle

The cycle through which departments and agencies start strong but eventually become weak over time.

Public Welfare

One of the main services provided by bureaucracy, aimed at enhancing the well-being of the population.

National Security

A primary focus of bureaucracy regarding the defense against internal and external threats.

Strong Economy

Fiscal policy overseen by bureaucracy related to taxation and spending.

Policy to Bureaucracy

The process through which a government policy is implemented and creates a new bureaucracy.

NASA

The U.S. government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research.

Congressional Oversight

The process by which Congress monitors and investigates the executive agencies to ensure accountability.

Max Weber

A social scientist known for his theories on bureaucracy and the characteristics required for it to function effectively.

Job Specialization

A principle of bureaucracy where job responsibilities are specific and clearly defined.

Formal Rules

Procedures and regulations that guide the operation of bureaucracies.

Chain of Command

The structure that defines the authority and responsibilities within a bureaucratic organization.