Chapter 15 Vocab. Terms

Bureaucracy

A vast hierarchical organization of unelected officials within the Executive branch. They enforce, implement, and regulate laws created by the Executive & Legislative branch.

Government by proxy

Washington pays state and local governments and private groups to staff and administer federal programs.

Laissez-faire

An economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce.

Discretionary Authority

The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies not spelled out in advance by laws.

Competitive service

The government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit, as ascertained by a written exam or by applying certain selection criteria.

Name-request job

A job filled by a person whom an agency has already identified.

Iron Triangle

A close relationship between an agency, a Congressional committee, and an interest group.

Issue network

A network of people in Washington D.C. - based interest groups, on Congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media, who regularly discuss and advocate public policies.

Appropriation

A Legislative grant of money to finance a government program of agency.

Authorization legislation

Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency.

Trust Funds

Funds for government programs collected and spent outside the regular government budget.

Committee clearance

The ability of a Congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance and without passing a law.

Legislative veto

The authority of Congress to block a president action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have the power.

Red Tape

Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done.