the bureaucracy

Regulation

a government rule that guide the operation of a government program; another definition in a different context is when the government intervenes in the economy to promote policy; example: the federal government might raise taxes on steel coming from China to discourage American companies from bury Chinese steel

Fine

monetary (money) penalty a wrongdoer must pay

Iron triangle

an alliance among an administrative agency, an interest group, and a congressional committee. Each member of the iron triangle provides key services, information, or policy for the others.

Issue network

a network that includes policy experts, media pundits, congressional staff members, and interest groups who regularly debate an issue

Civil service/ competitive service

employees of the government are selected and advanced based on merit not on connections

Merit system

being hired or promoted based on your abilities, not based on your political connections

Political patronage

is a situation in which a person is rewarded for supporting a particular politician, such as campaigning or voting for them. Political patronage can sometimes include the exchange of money for political support. For example, if Mr. Corgan was running for President of the United States and told you he would give you $1,000 if you publicly endorse him, he would be engaging in political patronage.

Administrative discretion/discretionary authority

congress has given agencies decision-making power in making rules to carry out the laws congress has enacted; Congress does not have the time or expertise to make sure every law is being followed

Rule making

the process agencies go through to make regulations

Policy implementation

putting the plan into action

Oversight

the process by which congress reviews the operations of an agency to determine if the agency is carrying out the policies congress intended