Chapter 7 new

Bureaucracy

bureaucracy

The large hierarchical organization of executive branch employees and agencies responsible for implementing and enforcing federal laws passed by Congress

compliance monitoring

The process by which bureaucratic agencies ensure that individuals firms and industries follow laws and regulations often through inspections permits and enforcement actions

iron triangle

A stable relationship among a congressional committee a bureaucratic agency and an interest group that mutually benefits all three and strongly influences public policy

issue networks

Loose and informal relationships among bureaucrats congressional staff interest groups academics and experts who collaborate on policy issues

Civil Service Commission

A bipartisan agency created by the Pendleton Civil Service Act to oversee federal hiring and ensure positions were filled based on merit rather than patronage

Civil Service Reform Act (1978)

A law that restructured the federal civil service system promoted merit and performance replaced the Civil Service Commission and gave the president more control over bureaucratic appointments

merit system

A system of hiring and promotion in the federal bureaucracy based on ability experience and qualifications rather than political loyalty

National Performance Review

A Clinton administration initiative designed to reduce inefficiency cut red tape and improve the effectiveness of the federal bureaucracy

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

The agency that manages the federal merit system coordinates hiring and oversees federal employment practices

patronage

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs regardless of qualifications

Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883)

A law passed after President Garfield’s assassination that established the merit system and reduced the spoils system in federal hiring

spoils system

A system in which political parties reward loyal supporters with government jobs leading to corruption and inefficiency

Administrative Procedures Act (1946)

A law that formalized the bureaucratic rulemaking process and requires transparency public participation and fairness in creating regulations

Code of Federal Regulations

The official compilation of final rules and regulations created by federal agencies

Department of Education

A federal executive department responsible for national education policy and administering federal education programs

delegated discretionary authority

The power Congress gives to bureaucratic agencies to interpret vague laws and create rules needed to implement them

Department of Homeland Security

A federal department responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism border threats and domestic emergencies

Department of Transportation

A federal department responsible for overseeing national transportation systems and infrastructure

Securities and Exchange Commission

An independent regulatory agency that oversees securities markets and enforces federal financial laws

Federal Election Commission

An independent regulatory agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal campaign finance laws

Federal Register

A daily government publication that prints proposed rules final regulations and notices of federal agencies

independent regulatory agencies

Agencies created by Congress that regulate specific industries and are insulated from direct presidential control

notice and comment opportunity

A requirement under the Administrative Procedures Act that allows the public to provide input on proposed regulations

Department of Veterans Affairs

A federal department responsible for providing healthcare benefits and services to U.S. veterans

Environmental Protection Agency

A federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment through regulation and enforcement

appropriations

Funds set aside by Congress for specific government agencies or programs through the budget process

authorization of spending

Legislation that establishes or continues a federal program and sets limits on how much money can be spent

congressional oversight

The power of Congress to monitor and supervise bureaucratic agencies through hearings investigations and budget control

power of the purse

The constitutional authority of Congress to control government spending by approving or denying funds

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)

An office within the Office of Management and Budget that reviews major regulations to ensure they align with presidential policy goals

compliance monitoring

The enforcement process by which agencies verify that regulated entities follow laws and regulations

legislative veto

A now-unconstitutional process by which Congress attempted to overturn agency actions without passing a new law

Whistleblower Protection Act (1989)

A law that protects federal employees from retaliation when they report illegal or improper government action