Chapter_7

Bureaucracy

A hierarchical organization of executive branch employees that carry out the responsibilities of the federal government.

Discretionary Authority

The power granted to bureaucrats to interpret legislation and create rules within the framework of the laws passed by Congress.

Iron Triangle

The stable, mutually beneficial relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.

Administrative Procedures Act (APA)

A 1946 law that governs the process by which federal agencies develop and issue regulations.

Compliance Monitoring

The process by which bureaucratic agencies ensure that firms and companies follow industry regulations.

Civil Service Commission

A former independent agency that oversaw the merit system and the competitive process of hiring federal employees.

Merit System

A system of employment in which hiring and promotion are based on competitive exams and merit rather than political connections.

Whistleblower Protection Act

A law passed in 1989 that protects federal employees from retaliation for reporting misconduct or illegal activities.

Legislative Veto

The ability of Congress to reject an executive action, which was declared unconstitutional in the Supreme Court case INS v. Chadha.

Government Corporation

A hybrid organization that has characteristics of both government agencies and private businesses, created to provide a specific service.

Independent Regulatory Agencies

Agencies that are created by Congress to regulate specific industries and have greater independence from executive control.

Code of Federal Regulations

The compilation of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the federal government.

Department of Homeland Security

A federal department responsible for ensuring national security and managing emergencies.

Public Interest Groups

Organizations that advocate for specific issues or causes to influence public policy and government action.

Bureaucratic Discretion

The ability of bureaucrats to make choices regarding the best way to implement policies.

Federal Register

A daily publication that contains proposed rules, final rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations.

Executive Office of the President

A group of agencies at the center of the executive branch that advise the president.

Census Bureau

An agency that conducts the national census and collects demographic data.

Federal Elections Commission

An independent regulatory agency tasked with enforcing federal laws on campaign finance.

Congressional Oversight

The power of Congress to review and supervise federal agencies and ensure they are carrying out laws effectively.

Revolving Door

The movement of individuals between public sector jobs and private sector jobs, often leading to conflicts of interest.