Public Administration & Bureaucracy

Administrative Adjudication

The process by which agencies resolve disputes over the application of rules.

Article II, Constitution

Establishes the Executive Branch, vesting executive power in the President.

Bureaucracy

A complex administrative system of non-elected officials implementing public policy.

Bureaucratic Drift vs Coalition Drift

Bureaucratic drift is agency policy shifting; coalition drift is enacting coalition preference shifts.

Bureaucratic reputation

An agency's perceived competence, autonomy, and mission by stakeholders and politicians.

Clientele Agencies

Agencies organized to serve and promote the interests of a specific group.

Congressional Oversight (Police v Fire)

Police patrol is active monitoring; fire alarm is reactive response to complaints.

Executive Rule Making

The process by which agencies issue specific regulations to implement broad statutes.

FDA Approval

The rigorous regulatory process ensuring drugs and food are safe and effective.

Iron Triangle

A stable, cooperative relationship between agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups.

Material Benefits

Tangible, economic incentives offered to encourage group participation.

Moral Hazard

Increased risk-taking behavior when insulated from negative consequences.

Path Dependence

How historical decisions and institutional traditions constrain future policy options.

Policy triangles

Informal networks of actors collaborating within a specific policy domain.

Principal-Agent Problem

Conflict of goals when a principal delegates tasks to an agent.

Revolving Door

The movement of personnel between government roles and interest group lobbying.

Transaction costs

The time, effort, and resources needed to make and execute a decision.