Chapter 7 AP Gov, The Bureaucracy

Bureaucrat

An official who works within a government or large corporate administrative system.

Federal Bureaucracy

The vast, hierarchical organization of executive branch employees that manage the federal government’s business.

Cabinet Secretaries

High-ranking officials appointed by the President to manage specific departments of the federal government.

Departments

15 different divisions that help the president oversee the executive branch.

Largest Department

Department of Defense, which is the biggest of the 15 departments.

Agencies

Subdivisions within departments designed to handle specific goals and workloads.

Discretionary Authority

The power to interpret legislation and create rules given to executive departments and agencies.

Administrative Procedures Act

A law that formalizes the bureaucratic rule-making process to ensure fairness and transparency.

Iron Triangles

The relationship among an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group that creates policy.

Spoils System

The practice of rewarding loyal party members with federal jobs.

Civil Service Reform

Reforms aimed at establishing a government based on merit rather than patronage.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

A law that established the merit system for federal employment.

Civil Service Commission

An agency that oversees the merit-based hiring and promotion of federal employees.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

An agency that runs the merit system and coordinates federal job applications.

National Performance Review (NPR)

Clinton’s initiative to assess and improve the federal bureaucracy.

Regulatory Agencies

Independent organizations that enforce laws and regulations, often with less presidential influence.

Congressional Oversight

The power of Congress to review and supervise federal agencies.

Power of the Purse

Congress's control over government funding and spending.

Compliance Monitoring

The process of ensuring firms follow industry regulations.

Whistleblower Protection Act

A law prohibiting retaliation against employees who disclose illegal or dishonest acts.

Committee Hearings

Sessions where congressional committees investigate federal agencies.

Legislative Veto

A process requiring certain agency decisions to wait for congressional approval over a set period.

Issue Networks

Complex relationships among various actors in policy-making, including academics and interest groups.

Merit System

A hiring system based on competitive examinations and qualifications, established by the Pendleton Act.

Compliance Monitoring

The practice of ensuring that companies adhere to regulations set by bureaucratic agencies.

Independent Regulatory Commissions

Agencies created to regulate specific areas and enforce laws with little presidential control.

U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals

Courts that often hear challenges to agency decisions and regulatory actions.

Authorizations of Spending

Legislative procedures that state the maximum amount an agency can spend on specific programs.

Cabinet Secretaries

High-level appointees who manage the federal departments and report directly to the President.

Fines and Enforcement

Penalties imposed by agencies to ensure compliance with regulations, typically targeting companies.

Testifying Before Congress

The act of providing expert testimony to congressional committees by cabinet secretaries and agency heads.

Delegated Authority

The specific powers granted to bureaucratic agencies to carry out their designated tasks.

Accountability of Agencies

The responsibility of bureaucratic agencies to answer to Congress and the public.

Bureaucratic Expansion

The growth of the bureaucracy, leading to a larger number of agencies and employees.

Federal Register

The official record of government regulations, including how they evolved and changed.

Agency Directors

The heads of agencies appointed by the president, responsible for executing agency missions.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence policy through lobbying and advocacy efforts.

Congressional Committees

Groups within Congress that oversee specific areas of government and scrutinize agency operations.

Policy Implementation

The process by which bureaucratic agencies execute legislation and government policies.

Merit-Based Hiring

Employment practices based on qualifications and performance rather than political affiliation.

Political Appointments

Positions filled by the president, often leading to shifts in policy and management.

Public Corporations

Government organizations that operate like businesses and provide specific services.

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

An independent agency that provides auditing and evaluation services for federal programs.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

An agency responsible for monitoring compliance with environmental regulations.

Bureaucratic Accountability

The mechanisms by which bureaucratic agencies are held responsible for their actions.

Oversight Hearings

Sessions conducted by Congress to ensure that agencies are following legal and procedural guidelines.

Federal Bureaucracy Challenges

The difficulties faced by bureaucracies in responding efficiently to policy changes.

Competing Interests in Bureaucracy

Conflicts arising from differing priorities and perspectives among various government agencies.

Administrative Discretion

The flexibility bureaucratic agencies have in interpreting laws and crafting regulations.

Senate Confirmation

The process by which the Senate approves presidential appointments to high-level positions.

Government Agencies

Organizations created to administer and implement specific functions of government.

Policy Evaluation

The assessment of the effectiveness and impact of government programs and policies.

Hierarchy of Bureaucracy

The structured arrangement of authority and responsibility within the federal bureaucracy.

Public Policy Goals

The objectives set by agencies and departments to guide their actions and operations.

Bureaucratic Relationships

The interactions and collaborations among agencies, Congress, and interest groups.

Presidential Power over Bureaucracy

The influence the president has on federal agencies to align their missions with executive goals.