AP Gov Bureaucracy QUEST 2.12-2.15

Bureaucracy

An administrative group of nonelected officials charged with implementing policies created by the other branches of government.

Civil Service Commission

A body established by the Pendleton Act to oversee hiring and promotion in the nonpartisan civil service; replaced by the Office of Personnel Management in 1978.

Civil Service Reform Act (1978)

Legislation that altered bureaucratic dismissal procedures, limited veteran preferences for a balanced workforce, and emphasized merit and performance.

Compliance Monitoring

The process of ensuring that firms and companies comply with industry regulations and standards.

Iron Triangle

A mutually beneficial relationship between an interest group, congressional committee, and bureaucratic agency focused on a specific issue.

Issue Networks

A coalition of individuals, public officials, and interest groups united around a specific public policy issue.

Merit System

A hiring and promotion practice in federal bureaucracy based on qualifications and job performance.

National Performance Review (1993)

Clinton’s assessment of federal bureaucracy aimed at identifying problems and proposing solutions for efficiency.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

The agency responsible for running the merit system and coordinating federal job applications.

Patronage

The practice of hiring and promoting individuals based on their political support rather than merit.

Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883)

Legislation aimed at ending patronage, establishing a merit-based system for government jobs.

Spoils System

A type of patronage system that resulted in political loyalty being rewarded with government positions.

Discretionary Authority

An agency's ability to decide on actions when implementing existing laws.

Rulemaking authority

An agency's power to create rules that affect program operations and enforce compliance among states and corporations.

Appropriations

Funds allocated by Congress to various government agencies to carry out their functions.

Authorization of Spending

Legislation that allows federal agencies to spend money on specific programs.

Congressional Oversight

The process by which Congress reviews and supervises federal agencies and programs to ensure efficiency.

Power of the Purse

The ability of Congress to control government spending and funding allocations.

Whistleblower Protection Act (1989)

A law protecting federal employees who expose government wrongdoing from retaliation.