Bureaucracy
Define Bureaucracy
The vast, hierarchical network of executive branch employees that carry out the business of The Federal Government under the authority of the Executive Branch.
What is the cabinet, who are the key members, and what do they do?
Cabinet members serve as advisors to the president on any subject related to the duties of each member's office. They include the vice president, heads of executive departments, and other high-ranking government officials.
What is a SIG?
Special Interest Group
What is Congressional Oversight?
The power of Congress to scrutinise and check the activities of the executive branch of government.
What is Judicial Review?
Judicial Reivew gives the Supreme Court and federal courts the authority to interpret the Constitution.
What does hierarchy mean?
It is a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
How do cabinet members get their position?
Cabinet members are nominated by the president and must be approved by the Senate.
What roles does the bureaucracy of the Executive Branch play?
Writes and enforces regulations, compliance monitoring, testifying before Congress, and advances the goals of SIGs, PACs, and Congressional Committees.
What is Delegated Discretionary Authority?
The process by which decision-making power is assigned to lower-level officials or agencies, allowing them to interpet legislation and create rules within the framework of established laws and policies.
What is the Merit System?
A system where government employees are hired, promoted, and retained based on their abilities and qualifications, rather than political affiliations or favoritism, ensuring a fair and open competition for jobs and eliminating the "spoils system" of patronage appointments
How if government bureaucracy strucured?
It is a hierarchical organization with clear levels of authority:
Power is concentrated at the top and delegated downwards, with strict rules and regulations governing operations essentially forming a pyramid-like command structure where decisions flow from top to bottom.
How many "heads" run the Cabinet departments?
15
What role does The Cabinet play?
The men and women that are a part of the Cabinet advise the president on possible courses of action on ongoing matters under their responsibility, individually or on Cabinet meetings.
Define and explain patronage and The Spoils System
PATRONAGE: Rewarding party loyalists with jobs.
SPOILS SYSTEM: Appointing government jobs through patronage and expecting loyalty and support in return.
What is the Administrative Procedures Act (1946)?
It governs the process by which federal agencies develop and issue regulations - includes requirements for publishing notices of proposed and final rulemaking in the Federal Register -- provides opportunities for the public to comment on notices of proposed rulemaking.
What is Compliance Monitoring?
Compliance monitoring is a systematic approach to ensuring an organization meets established guidelines and standards. These may include internal policies, procedures, or external legal requirements.
Who chooses Cabinet members?
Cabinet members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the members of the Cabinet are often the President's closest confidants.
What is Iron Triangle?
Iron Triangle is three elements consisting of special interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies working together to create policy about a specific issue. Iron Triangles are defined by mutually advantageous relationships.
What was the The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883 and why was it important?
The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883 was a landmark law that established the principle of merit-based federal employment, rather than political affiliation. The act was signed into law by President Chester A. Arthur on January 16, 1883.
What does the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs do?
OIRA is the United States Government's central authority for the review of Executive Branch regulations, approval of Government information collections, establishment of Government statistical practices, and coordination of federal privacy policy.
What role does Congress play?
Congress creates the departments and agencies and, thus, gives them the authority to carry out goals & administer regulations.
What are Cabinet Agencies?
Sub-units in each department (there are hundreds!)
What is the difference between an issue network and an iron triangle?
Issue networks are often temporary, breaking up when their goals are accomplished, unlike iron triangles. Another difference between iron triangles and issue networks is that issue networks can oppose each other.
What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?
Prohibits a federal agency from retaliating against a “whistleblower”.
How did the Spoils System consitrbute to the assasination of Garfiled and stimulate reform?
The assassination of James Garfield was motivated by the spoils system. Charles Guiteau, a member of the Republican Party, believed he was entitled to an appointed position after supporting Garfield's successful presidential campaign.