Federal Government 2305 - Final Exam

Bureaucracy

A bureaucracy is an administrative group non- elected officials who execute government functions.

Role of a Bureaucrat

A bureaucrat is a non-elected official necessary government roles.

'“Fourth Branch” Nickname

The federal bureaucracy is often called the “fourth” branch of government functions.

Civil Service Reform

The transition from the spoils system to the merit system was largely drivem by concerns over political appointments and corruption.

Federal General schedule (GS)

The GS is used to determine pay and advancement for civil servants.

Cabinet departments

These are major executive offices directly accountable to the president.

Government Corporations

Characterized by providing services partly subject to market forces. The U.S. postal service is a classic example.

Independent Executive Agencies

A major example is NASA

Privatization

This refers to issuing government contracts to private companies to provide services. An example is operation of federal prisons

Definition of Goods

Defined as commodities and services that satisfy wants and needs.

Private Good

Characterized by being excludable and finite.

Public Good

An example is Air

Toll Good

Differs from a public because it requires payment to use.

Redistributive policy

Refers to redistributing resources from one group to another.

Social Security

Best described as a social welfare policy to people without employment income.

The Budget process

The Congressional Budget office (CBO) is responsible for studying the impacts od proposed legislation on the federal budget

The Budget process

Mandatory spending includes Medicare, Medicaid, and social security.

The Budget Process

Discretionary spending must be approved annually by congres.

Taxation

A progressive tax system increases effective tax rates as income increases.

The Federal Reserve

Primarily influences monetary policy and interest rates.

Taxation

A progressive tax system increases effective tax rates as income increases.

The federal Reserve

Primarily influences monetary policy and interest rates.

Foreign Policy

Foreign policy refers to the goals and actions a state pursue abroad.

Foreign vs. Domestic Policy

A key difference is that foreign policy focuses on external objectives.

Objectives of U.S. Foreign policy

Objectives include protecting U.S. citizens and preserving the balance of power. Expanding domestic welfare program is not an objective.

Tools of foreign Policy

Sanctions, diplomacy, and foreign aid are examples of types of foreign policy.

Major challenges

One major challenges is differing political systems across countries.

Policy Outputs

Broadly focused foreign policy outputs often require involvement from congress and world leaders.

President’s Role

Presidents hold a leading role in foreign policy beacause they commander in chief and primary negotiators of treaties.

Congressional Role

Congress’s authority was reasserted by the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Emergency foreign policy spending usually involves Congress using its power of the purse.

Intelligence Agencies

The director of national intelligence oversees the CIA