Understanding Bureaucracy Lecture Notes

Fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering key concepts such as the definition, functions, challenges, and examples of bureaucracy as discussed in the lecture.

A bureaucracy is a complex structure of , tasks, rules, and principles of organization used by large-scale institutions.

offices

Bureaucracies are staffed by who divide up complex tasks.

experts

The idea that business and government differ fundamentally in using bureaucracy is a dichotomy.

false

The primary practical reason we have bureaucracies is that they are in accomplishing tasks.

efficient

One key function of federal bureaucrats is to the laws that Congress writes.

implement

When bureaucrats create new rules with the force of law, these rules are called .

regulations

Settling disputes within agencies through quasi-judicial processes is known as administrative .

adjudication

Although housed in the executive branch, the federal bureaucracy can blur the constitutional principle of of powers.

separation

The mandatory period during which the public can respond to proposed federal regulations is called and comment.

notice

Many lower-level bureaucratic jobs are filled through -based civil service exams.

competitive

High-level bureaucrats such as cabinet secretaries are often appointed for reasons as well as expertise.

political

One suggested alternative to public bureaucracies is out tasks to private companies.

contracting

Congress frequently delegates power to agencies, leading to increased over time.

bureaucratization

Bureaucracies provide by maintaining expertise despite electoral turnover.

stability

Because dismantling agencies is politically and practically hard, most bureaucracies become effectively .

permanent

State-level agencies like the are often mistaken for parts of the federal bureaucracy.

DMV

Most bureaucrats encountered daily—teachers, police, tax assessors—work for governments, not the federal government.

state

Direct public participation in rule making via online comments can make bureaucracy more than congressional lawmaking in some respects.

democratic