Vocab
Key Concepts
Legislation
Potpourri
100
What is a large, complex organization of appointed officials?
Bureaucracy
100
Who introduced the spoils system?
Andrew Jackson
100
Why is there legislation creating and restricting bureaucracy?
To keep the bureaucracy in check and also to make sure it does not become too corrupt.
100
Why do people dislike bureaucracy?
Because it is excessively complicated and draws out even the simplest of tasks.
200
List the 3 points that make up an iron triangle.
1. Congress/Committee 2. Bureaucratic agency/department 3. Interest Group
200
Why would people support devolution?
Because they don't trust the government as they feel that the government is too powerful and/or corrupt as it is.
200
What does the Freedom of Information Act do?
It is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government
200
What is downsizing the federal bureaucracy by delegating programs to local/state governments called?
Devolution
300
How is the merit system different from the spoils system?
The merit system relies on actual skill when the spoils system is based off of rewarding political followers.
300
What is the purpose of an iron triangle?
To create a stable alliance that benefits all those involved and their shared interests.
300
Describe the intent of the Hatch Act.
To keep politics out of the bureaucracy. Bureaucrats should be focused on doing their job in a nonpartisan manner without considering political party allegiance in their decision-making.
300
Describe the meaning of a bureaucrat being a “whistleblower”.
A person raises a concern about wrongdoing occurring in an organization in order to help prevent it from happening. Often done anonymously for fear of facing retaliation.
400
What is the informal name for all of the regulations and steps one needs to take to navigate bureaucracy?
Red tape
400
Which is an iron triangle? A) The President, The Defense Department, Boeing Corporation B) Armed Service Committee, The Defense Department, Boeing Corporation C) Armed Service Committee, The Defense Department, Homeland Security Committee
B) Armed Service Committee, The Defense Department, Boeing Corporation
400
Why did the federal government create the Pendleton Act?
To get rid of the patronage system to decrease corruption and increase productivity.
400
Which is an independent agency? Central Intelligence Agency Federal Communications Commision Food and Drug Administration Environmental Protection Agency
CIA
500
How is an iron triangle different from an issue network?
Many answers are possible: - An iron triangle has only 3 groups involved, while an issue network involves many groups - An iron triangle is often a secretive relationships, while issue networks are more overt - An iron triangle is more unified in their relationship, while an issue network is more decentralized
500
What's the difference between an independent and a regulatory agency?
An independent agency is not tied to an executive branch, but helps the President carry out executive duties A regulatory agency is independent but has added responsibility to put regulations and limits on business
500
Name ONE federal agency that was created by the Civil Service Reform Act (1978)
1. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) 2. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
500
Name 1 independent agency, 2 regulatory agencies, and 1 interest group.
Many answers possible
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