Chapter Seven The Bureaucracy Multiple Choice 1. Which branch of government is the bureaucracy referred to in your chapter? a. First b. Second c. Third d. Fourth e. Fifth Answer: d. Fourth 2. Who is considered to be the father of modern bureaucracy? a. Gerhard Loder b. Heinz Farget c. Max Weber d. Lancelot Peters e. Karl Marx Answer: c. Max Weber 3. The formal rules which characterize bureaucracies are sometimes called a. standard bureaucratic procedures. b. standard operating procedures. c. optional bureaucratic procedures. d. optional operating procedures. e. formal rules of operation. Answer: b. standard operating procedures. 4. ________ are clearly defined procedures governing the execution of all tasks within the jurisdiction of a given agency. a. Hierarchies b. Spoil systems c. Bureaucracies d. Welfare states e. Formal rules Answer: e. Formal rules 5. In what year did Andrew Jackson usher in the spoils system? a. 1828 b. 1838 c. 1848 d. 1858 e. 1868 Answer: a. 1828 6. ________ is a social system whereby the government assumes primary responsibility for the wellbeing of citizens. a. The spoils system b. The civil service c. The new deal d. The Hatch Act e. The welfare state Answer: e. The welfare state 7. The New Deal programs instituted during the Great Depression of the 1930s created a. the welfare state. b. millions of new jobs in the private sector. c. renewed tensions between the United States and Great Britain. d. a total distrust of government among most Americans. e. a hatred of big government. Answer: a. the welfare state. 8. How is President Andrew Jackson referred to in the text? a. as a conservative b. as a loyalist c. as nonpolitical d. as a populist e. as a liberal Answer: d. as a populist 9. A bureaucracy is a large complex organizational system which is characterized by a. hierarchy. b. equality. c. plurality. d. openness. e. chaos. Answer: a. hierarchy. 10. In what year did Congress pass the Hatch Act, which prevents federal employees from using their power to influence elections? a. 1899 b. 1909 c. 1919 d. 1929 e. 1939 Answer: e. 1939 11. The spoils system survived until the 1881 assassination of a. President Harding. b. President Cleveland. c. President Garfield. d. President Coolidge. e. President Lincoln. Answer: c. President Garfield. 12. What did the Pendleton Act do? a. Applied to state governments only. b. Created the “spoils system”. c. Ignored needed requirements for public service. d. Created a civil service system of hiring. e. Established the Electoral College. Answer: d. Created a civil service system of hiring. 13. What is noted about firing federal employees? a. It cannot be done. b. It is hard to do. c. It is easy to do. d. It is illegal. e. Federal employees are never fired. Answer: b. It is hard to do. 14. The Hatch Act refers to a(n) a. state law. b. federal law. c. county law. d. municipal ordinance. e. international law. Answer: b. federal law. 15. Specialization means that specific tasks should be delegated to a. those persons with the most training and experience. b. those persons with the most seniority. c. those persons most advanced in age. d. those persons with the best attendance record. e. no specific individual. Answer: a. those persons with the most training and experience. 16. As the size and complexity of government increases, so does a. specialization. b. efficiency. c. accountability. d. responsiveness. e. iron triangles. Answer: a. specialization. 17. The term “spoils system” refers to a. a system in which newer employees receive fewer benefits than those with seniority. b. the management style of Abraham Lincoln. c. a system in which government jobs are awarded to party loyalists. d. a system in which government jobs are awarded to those with the best qualifications. e. a system of networks composed of political actors in a particular policy area Answer: c. a system in which government jobs are awarded to party loyalists. 18. The civil service system is a system of hiring and promoting employees based upon a. party loyalty. b. military service. c. who they are related to. d. their qualifications. e. their educational backgrounds. Answer: d. their qualifications. 19. Which of the following would be a violation of the Hatch Act? a. a federal civil servant wearing a campaign button b. a federal civil servant running for public office c. a federal civil servant contributing to a political campaign d. a federal civil servant voting e. a federal servant assisting with voter registration. Answer: b. a federal civil servant running for public office 20. The federal bureaucracy performs three key governmental functions: a. implementation, administration, and facilitation. b. administration, facilitation, and regimentation. c. regulation, regimentation, and administration. d. interpret law, regulate the economy, provide checks on the Congress. e. regulation, administration, and implementation. Answer: e. regulation, administration, and implementation. 21. Implementation means a. imposing penalties for noncompliance to a new law. b. providing the organization and expertise required to put into action any policy that has become law. c. providing incentives to states. d. allowing state governments to participate in the policy formulation process. e. interpreting and applying the law. Answer: b. providing the organization and expertise required to put into action any policy that has become law. 22. __________ is the latitude that an agency has in interpreting and applying the law. a. Regulation b. Implementation c. Appointment power d. Presidential control e. Administrative discretion Answer: e. Administrative discretion 23. Because laws passed by Congress tend to be vague, and, at times, a bit ambiguous, federal agencies are permitted a great deal of a. civil permissiveness. b. regulatory scope. c. implementation directives. d. administrative discretion. e. latitude in their budgetary expenditures. Answer: d. administrative discretion. 24. Where do most federal employees work? a. outside Washington, D.C. b. inside Washington, D.C. c. in the Pentagon d. in the White House e. in the Department of Homeland Security Answer: a. outside Washington, D.C. 25. The Environmental Protection Agency is an example of a. an independent agency. b. an independent regulatory commission. c. a government corporation. d. a nongovernment agency. e. None of the above. Answer: a. an independent agency. 26. Administration refers to the a. performance of routine tasks associated with a specific policy goal. b. appropriation of funds by Congress. c. occupation of the executive branch by a particular person and his or her personal staff. d. the process of judicial review. e. expertise required to put into action any policy that has become law Answer: a. performance of routine tasks associated with a specific policy goal. 27. Regulation refers to a. making rules. b. performing routine tasks. c. implementation of policy. d. hiring employees. e. spending money. Answer: a. making rules. 28. The major administrative units responsible for conducting a broad range of government operations are called a. regulation bureaus. b. cabinet departments. c. cabinet administrators. d. department chiefs. e. bureaucracies. Answer: b. cabinet departments. 29. The heads of cabinet departments are called a. department heads. b. presidential advisors. c. secretaries. d. bureau chiefs. e. staffers. Answer: c. secretaries. 30. Agencies which have narrower responsibilities than cabinet departments are called a. pre-cabinet departments. b. independent agencies. c. regulatory agencies. d. little-cabinet departments. e. spoils systems. Answer: b. independent agencies. 31. An agency which is established to regulate a particular area of the economy is called a. an independent agency. b. an independent regulatory commission. c. a cabinet department. d. an administrative organization. e. government corporation Answer: b. an independent regulatory commission. 32. A semi-independent government agency that administers a business enterprise and takes the form of a business corporation is called a(n) a. semi-independent agency. b. government corporation. c. cabinet department. d. independent agency. e. independent regulatory commission. Answer: b. government corporation. 33. Which of the following is not a constraint on bureaucracies? a. Bureaucratic agencies do not control revenue b. Other institutions mandate goals c. Decisions must be made based on rules made elsewhere d. Bureaucracies have latitude on implanting policy goals. e. all of the above Answer: d. Bureaucracies have latitude on implanting policy goals. 34. __________ is the president’s power to name agency officials. a. Veto power b. Regulation c. Implementation d. Reorganization e. Appointment power Answer: e. Appointment power 35. Who said: “I thought I was president, but when it comes to these bureaucrats, I can’t do a damn thing”? a. Franklin Roosevelt b. Harry Truman c. John Kennedy d. Lyndon Johnson e. Richard Nixon Answer: b. Harry Truman 36. __________ is the power to move programs around within specific agencies. a. Appointment power b. Implementation c. Regulation d. Reorganization e. Administration Answer: d. Reorganization 37. Which of the following presidents tried taking over the bureaucracy, giving truth to the statement, “Even paranoids have enemies”? a. Franklin Delano Roosevelt b. Bill Clinton c. Ronald Reagan d. George W. Bush e. Richard Nixon Answer: e. Richard Nixon 38. The president can control the power of a bureaucratic agency by placing at its head persons who are committed to his or her policy preferences. This is called a. patronage. b. appointment power. c. nepotism. d. back scratching. e. cronyism. Answer: b. appointment power. 39. The president can affect the status and prestige of an agency through the process of a. intimidation. b. impeachment. c. reorganization. d. reconfiguration. e. favoritism. Answer: c. reorganization. 40. The unit in the Executive Office of the president which has the responsibility of preparing and administering the president’s annual budget is called the a. Bureau of Budget. b. Congressional Budget Office. c. Office of Management and Budget. d. Internal Revenue Service. e. Office of the Federal Budget Answer: c. Office of Management and Budget. 41. Which of the following bureaucracies ranked the lowest in a survey of American attitudes toward the federal government? a. NASA b. FBI c. CIA d. Federal Reserve Board e. FDA Answer: d. Federal Reserve Board 42. The most important check Congress has over the bureaucracy is a. impeachment power. b. reorganization power. c. power of the purse. d. confirmation. e. power of persuasion. Answer: c. power of the purse. 43. The practice of holding congressional hearings and conducting investigations into bureaucratic activity is called a. administrative oversight. b. congressional intimidation. c. appellate jurisdiction. d. mark-up sessions. e. intelligence gathering. Answer: a. administrative oversight. 44. An iron triangle is a relationship among a. the president, Congress, and the Supreme Court. b. the president, the Justice Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. c. a congressional subcommittee, an interest group, and a federal agency. d. an interest group, a federal agency, and the White House staff. e. the citizens, their senators and their representatives. Answer: c. a congressional subcommittee, an interest group, and a federal agency. 45. Independent regulatory commissions regulate sectors of the nation’s economy in the a. interest of special groups. b. interest of large-scale industries. c. hope of helping special government agencies. d. public interest. e. interest of the President of the United States. Answer: d. public interest. 46. The United States Postal Service is an example of a(n) a. unregulated government service. b. government corporation. c. independent regulatory commission. d. semi-independent agency. e. autonomous bureaucracy. Answer: b. government corporation. 47. Which of the following governs the way a federal agency makes rules, publicizes its operations, and settles disputes? a. the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 b. the Government Reorganization Act of 1999 c. the Taft-Hartley Act d. the Sullivan Law e. the Hatch Act. Answer: a. the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 48. What type of president requires a clear agenda of policy goals? a. only Democratic Presidents b. only Republican Presidents c. only second-term presidents d. every president e. presidents do not really need clear agendas of policy goals. Answer: d. every president 49. What did Andrew Jackson think of patronage appointments? a. He believed they were unnecessary. b. He believed they should only be given to military veterans. c. He believed they should only be used on the state level. d. He believed they improve efficiency and democratic accountability. e. He hated them. Answer: d. He believed they improve efficiency and democratic accountability. 50. What is the term used for the turning over of public responsibilities for regulation and for providing goods and services to privately owned and operated industries? a. whistle-blowing b. modernization c. privatization d. logrolling e. welfare state Answer: c. privatization 51. President Reagan’s attempt to downsize the federal bureaucracy was thwarted by a. strong public support of the bureaucracy. b. the independent nature of bureaucratic organizations. c. Republicans in Congress. d. the Progressives. e. Democrats in Congress Answer: b. the independent nature of bureaucratic organizations. 52. Which of the following acts was responsible for the creation of the civil service system? a. the Pendleton Act b. the Hatch Act c. the Privacy Act d. the Sunshine Act e. the McCain Act Answer: a. the Pendleton Act 53. Which of the following often participate in issue networks? a. bureaucrats b. congressional staffers c. interest groups d. think tanks e. all of the above Answer: e. all of the above 54. The excessive number of rules and regulations that government employees must follow are referred to as a. the spoils system. b. red tape. c. presidential control. d. the power of persuasion. e. the accountability system. Answer: b. red tape. True or False 55. It is difficult to imagine a world without bureaucracy. Answer: True 56. Specialization refers to the delegation of specific tasks to individuals whose training and experience give them the expertise to complete the tasks. Answer: True 57. Hierarchy is defined as the clear chain of communication and command running from an executive director at the top down through all levels of workers. Answer: True 58. A system of formal rules refers to clearly defined procedures for executing assigned tasks. Answer: True 59. The term bureaucracy is rooted in an eighteenth-century French word. Answer: True 60. A bureaucracy is a large and complex organizational system in which tasks, roles, and responsibilities are structured to achieve a goal. Answer: True 61. Max Weber modeled his “ideal type” of bureaucratic organization on the French government of the early nineteenth century. Answer: False 62. The principle of specialization means that specific tasks should be delegated to individuals who are related by blood to their immediate superiors. Answer: False 63. Beginning in 1943, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal involved the government in everyday economic affairs. Answer: False 64. Public commitment to activist government paved the way for the astonishing growth of the federal bureaucracy in the twentieth century. Answer: True 65. The New Deal programs instituted by President Roosevelt in the 1930s became the core of the modern welfare state. Answer: True 66. The Hatcher Act consisted of a series of legislative acts, executive orders, and proclamations creating large-scale federal programs that sought to provide retirement insurance, health care, economic security, and poverty relief for Americans. Answer: False 67. The spoils system was initiated by President Garfield. Answer: False 68. Today, merit-based hiring and advancement of federal employees have eliminated much of the corruption and cronyism of the old patronage system. Answer: True 69. The civil service system replaced the spoils system. Answer: True 70. The Whistleblower Protection Act, which protects federal whistleblowers or persons who work for the government who report agency misconduct, was passed in 1978. Answer: False 71. Congress passed the Civil Service Reform Act in 1989. Answer: False 72. The civil service system encourages the hiring of people with high levels of skill and expertise and provides procedures for evaluating the qualifications and job performance of federal workers. Answer: True 73. The civil service system was replaced by the Pendleton Act in 1939. Answer: False 74. The Hatch Act of 1942 replaced the Pendleton Act of 1939. Answer: False 75. A federal employee who is also the treasurer of a local political club is violating the Hatch Act. Answer: False 76. Not saluting the flag is a violation of the Code of Ethics set out by Congress. Answer: False 77. Federal employees may not sign petitions for partisan candidates. Answer: False 78. The Hatch Act is a list of political dos and don’ts for federal employees, designed to prevent federal civil servants from using their power or position to engage in political activities to influence elections, thereby creating a nonpartisan, nonpolitical, professionalized bureaucracy. Answer: True 79. The three key functions performed by the federal bureaucracy are implementation, administration, and adjudication. Answer: False 80. Implementation refers to the latitude that an agency, or even a single bureaucrat, has in interpreting and applying a law. Answer: False 81. Administration means to perform routine tasks associated with a specific policy objective. Answer: True 82. Administrative discretion refers to the degree of latitude given to bureaucrats in interpreting and applying a law. Answer: True 83. Implementation means removing an incompetent administrator from her position. Answer: False 84. Regulation refers to the making, enforcement, and adjudication of military orders. Answer: False 85. Cabinet departments are the major administrative organs which conduct numerous governmental operations. Answer: True 86. Independent agencies usually are smaller than cabinet departments. Answer: True 87. The Environmental Protection Agency is an example of an independent agency. Answer: True 88. Congress cannot establish an independent agency so that it can keep particularly tight control over that agency’s functions. Answer: False 89. The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Reserve Board are examples of independent regulatory agencies. Answer: True 90. Independent regulatory commissions are charged with regulating a particular segment of the economy. Answer: True 91. Bureaucratic agencies do not control their own goals. Answer: True 92. Decisions about how to deliver goods and services must be made according to rules established by the bureaucracies Answer: False 93. U.S. Postal Service does not have to deliver junk mail below cost. Answer: False 94. The American bureaucracy has made major strides toward democratic accountability. Answer: True 95. The terrorist attack on America has only created more layers of official secrets in the name of national and homeland security. Answer: True 96. The George W. Bush administration did virtually everything it could to maintain official secrets. Answer: True 97. One of the least common complaints of presidents is the difficulty of aligning the federal bureaucracy’s objectives with the administration’s priorities. Answer: False 98. The Japanese regard their bureaucrats as competent, efficient, and highly ethical. Answer: True 99. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is the unit in the Executive Office of the President whose main responsibilities are to prepare and administer the president’s annual budget. Answer: True 100. The power of persuasion is not an effective tool to control the bureaucracy. Answer: False 101. An iron triangle is a very weak relationship between two crucial actors in policy making. Answer: False 102. Americans tend to be suspicious of the administrative state. Answer: True 103. Many Americans believe that government is expensive and wasteful. Answer: True Essay Questions 104. How does the bureaucracy measure up as a transparent democratic institution? Answer: The bureaucracy's transparency and democratic nature are critical for effective governance and public trust. Key measures include: 1. Accountability Mechanisms: Oversight bodies, public reporting, and independent audits ensure bureaucrats adhere to laws and regulations. 2. Public Access to Information: Freedom of Information Acts and open data initiatives allow citizens to scrutinize bureaucratic actions. 3. Public Participation: Consultations and feedback mechanisms engage citizens in decision-making. 4. Ethical Standards and Anti-Corruption Measures: Codes of conduct and anti-corruption agencies maintain integrity and prevent abuse of power. 5. Performance Evaluation: Transparent metrics and regular audits assess bureaucratic efficiency and effectiveness. 6. Legal Framework: A strong rule of law and judicial oversight ensure bureaucratic accountability. Despite these measures, challenges such as bureaucratic complexity, resistance to change, and political interference can hinder transparency and democratic functioning. Continuous efforts are needed to address these issues and enhance the bureaucracy's role as a transparent democratic institution. 105. How do specialization, hierarchy, and a system of formal rules both positively and negatively influence the performance of the bureaucracy? Answer: Specialization Positive Influences: • Expertise and Efficiency: Focused roles enhance skill and efficiency. • Quality and Consistency: Specialized knowledge ensures high-quality, consistent outputs. • Innovation: Deep expertise fosters innovative solutions. Negative Influences: • Fragmentation: Can lead to poor coordination between departments. • Inflexibility: Narrow focus makes adaptation difficult. • Dependency: Vulnerability if key specialists leave. Hierarchy Positive Influences: • Clear Chain of Command: Facilitates decision-making and accountability. • Order and Discipline: Ensures procedures are followed. • Efficient Management: Higher management coordinates effectively. Negative Influences: • Bureaucratic Delays: Slows down decision-making. • Rigidity: Makes the organization inflexible. • Morale Issues: Can lead to frustration among lower-level employees. System of Formal Rules Positive Influences: • Consistency and Fairness: Ensures uniform decision-making. • Accountability: Reduces risk of misconduct. • Predictability: Allows for better planning and coordination. Negative Influences: • Red Tape: Creates inefficiencies and delays. • Lack of Initiative: Stifles creativity and innovation. • Complexity: Can lead to confusion and errors. Conclusion Specialization, hierarchy, and formal rules enhance expertise, order, and consistency but can also cause fragmentation, rigidity, and inefficiencies. Balancing these elements is crucial for optimal bureaucratic performance. 106. Who was Max Weber and what did he believe about the bureaucracy? Answer: Max Weber was a German sociologist, philosopher, and political economist. He is known for his theories on the structure of society and the nature of authority. Weber believed that bureaucracy was the most efficient and rational way to organize human activity, characterized by a clear hierarchy, specialized roles, and a system of formal rules and procedures. He argued that bureaucracies ensure precision, predictability, and accountability, though he also warned about the potential for dehumanization and rigidity within such systems. 107. How has the federal bureaucracy grown and evolved over time? Answer: The federal bureaucracy has grown and evolved significantly over time: Early Development • 1789-1800s: Initially small, focused on basic functions like defense, diplomacy, and tax collection. Expansion • Late 1800s-Early 1900s: Industrialization led to new regulatory agencies (e.g., Interstate Commerce Commission). New Deal Era • 1930s: Great Depression prompted major expansion with New Deal programs (e.g., Social Security Administration). Post-War Growth • 1940s-1960s: Continued expansion to address social and economic challenges (e.g., Department of Health, Education, and Welfare). Modernization and Reform • 1970s-Present: Focus on efficiency and addressing new challenges, creation of new agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Homeland Security). Technological and Policy Shifts • 21st Century: Emphasis on digital services, data-driven decision-making, and addressing issues like cybersecurity and climate change. 108. What is meant by the term welfare state? What is the relationship between the welfare state and the federal bureaucracy? Answer: Welfare State A welfare state is a government system that provides social services and economic assistance to its citizens, such as healthcare, education, unemployment benefits, and pensions, to ensure a basic standard of living and reduce economic inequality. Relationship with Federal Bureaucracy The federal bureaucracy administers and implements the programs and policies of the welfare state. This includes managing social services, distributing benefits, and ensuring compliance with regulations, making the bureaucracy essential for the operation and effectiveness of the welfare state. 109. Discuss the evolution of the civil service system. Answer: Ancient and Medieval Civil Service: • Originated in ancient China and Rome. • Based on heredity, loyalty, and aristocratic appointment. Modern Civil Service (18th-19th Century): • Britain: Northcote-Trevelyan Report (1854) introduced merit-based recruitment. • U.S.: Pendleton Act (1883) reformed civil service, ending the spoils system. 20th Century: • Global adoption of meritocracy, competitive exams, and standardized training. • Establishment of international standards through organizations like the United Nations. Contemporary Civil Service (21st Century): • Emphasis on digital transformation, e-governance, and online services. • Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Importance of accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption measures. Key Characteristics: • Merit-based recruitment and promotion. • Professionalism and ethical standards. • Impartiality and continuity in governance. • Adaptation to societal changes and technological advancements. 110. What is a bureaucrat, what functions does a bureaucracy serve, and how is the federal bureaucracy structured? What does the federal workforce look like? Answer: A bureaucrat is a member of a bureaucracy, which is a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives. Bureaucrats typically work in administrative roles, implementing and enforcing government policies and regulations. Functions of a bureaucracy include: • Implementing laws and policies passed by the legislative branch. • Providing public services such as education, healthcare, and transportation. • Regulating industries to ensure compliance with laws and standards. • Managing government resources, including budgets and personnel. The federal bureaucracy in the United States is structured into departments, agencies, and commissions, each responsible for specific functions. The workforce is diverse, consisting of civil servants, political appointees, and contractors. Civil servants are permanent employees hired based on merit through a competitive process, while political appointees are selected by elected officials and serve at their pleasure. Contractors are hired by the government to provide goods and services. 111. Discuss what bureaucracies do. Answer: Bureaucracies are administrative organizations that manage and implement government policies, programs, and services. They perform several key functions: 1. Policy Implementation: Bureaucracies translate laws and policies into action. They develop detailed regulations, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the smooth implementation of policies. 2. Service Provision: Bureaucracies deliver a wide range of public services, such as healthcare, education, transportation, and social welfare programs. They ensure these services are accessible and meet established standards. 3. Regulation and Oversight: Bureaucracies regulate industries and activities to ensure compliance with laws, standards, and regulations. They monitor and enforce rules to protect public safety, health, and the environment. 4. Resource Management: Bureaucracies manage government resources, including budgets, personnel, and infrastructure. They allocate resources efficiently and effectively to support government operations and programs. 5. Decision Making and Advice: Bureaucracies provide advice and recommendations to policymakers based on their expertise and analysis. They play a key role in shaping policy decisions and strategies. 6. Public Representation: Bureaucracies represent the government and its interests in various forums and interactions with the public, other governments, and organizations. They serve as the face of the government in many situations. Overall, bureaucracies play a crucial role in the functioning of government and society by translating laws and policies into action, delivering public services, regulating industries, managing resources, providing advice, and representing the government. 112. Discuss the structure of the federal bureaucracy. Answer: • Departments: 15 executive departments, each headed by a secretary. • Independent Agencies: Report directly to the President or Congress. • Commissions: Independent regulatory bodies overseeing specific industries or activities. • Government Corporations: Government-owned businesses operating like private corporations. • Civil Service: Permanent employees hired based on merit through a competitive process. 113. Identify and discuss three major constraints that shape the behavior of the bureaucracy. Answer: Three major constraints shaping bureaucratic behavior are: • Legal Constraints: Bureaucracies must adhere to laws, regulations, and court decisions, ensuring accountability and transparency. • Political Constraints: Bureaucracies are influenced by the policy direction of elected officials, budgetary limits, and oversight mechanisms. • Administrative Constraints: Bureaucracies operate within limits set by their resources, organizational culture, and capacity, impacting their effectiveness and decision-making. 114. Are bureaucrats responsible to the public, or do these unelected civil servants make policy outside the expectations of democratic rule? Answer: Bureaucrats are typically responsible to the public, but their role is to implement policies and decisions made by elected officials. While they may have some discretion in how they carry out these policies, their primary duty is to follow the law and the directives of elected leaders. Bureaucrats are not supposed to make policy decisions outside the democratic process; their function is to administer and execute policies within the framework established by elected representatives. However, in some cases, there may be concerns about bureaucratic independence and the extent to which unelected officials influence policy. In democratic systems, there are usually mechanisms in place to hold bureaucrats accountable and ensure that their actions align with democratic principles. 115. Compare and contrast the nature of bureaucracy in the United States and Japan. Answer: The nature of bureaucracy in the United States and Japan reflects their unique historical, cultural, and political contexts. Here's a comparison and contrast of bureaucracy in both countries: 1. Size and Scope: The bureaucracy in the United States is extensive, reflecting the country's large size and complex governance structure. It includes numerous federal agencies, departments, and regulatory bodies, each with its own specific responsibilities. In contrast, Japan's bureaucracy is often considered more streamlined and cohesive, with fewer layers of government and a more centralized decision-making process. 2. Hierarchy and Structure: Both the U.S. and Japanese bureaucracies are hierarchical, but the specific structures differ. In the United States, the bureaucracy is characterized by a division of powers between federal, state, and local governments, leading to a more decentralized system. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on seniority and consensus-based decision-making, which can sometimes lead to slower policy implementation but also ensures stability and continuity. 3. Political Influence: In the United States, political appointees often lead federal agencies, leading to potential shifts in policy direction with changes in administration. In Japan, bureaucratic positions are often filled by career civil servants who are less likely to change with political transitions, leading to greater continuity in policy implementation. 4. Public Perception: In both countries, there are perceptions of bureaucracy as being slow, inefficient, and sometimes unresponsive to public needs. However, there are also differences in how bureaucracy is viewed culturally. In the United States, there is often a more skeptical attitude towards government bureaucracy, with a focus on individual rights and limited government intervention. In Japan, there is traditionally more trust in government institutions, and bureaucracy is often seen as a necessary and respected part of governance. 5. Regulatory Environment: The regulatory environment in the United States is often seen as more complex and stringent compared to Japan. This can be attributed to differences in legal systems, historical development, and cultural attitudes towards regulation and enforcement. Overall, while both the United States and Japan have bureaucratic systems that play a crucial role in governance, there are significant differences in their nature and functioning due to their unique historical, cultural, and political contexts. 116. How does the president keep the bureaucracy under control? Answer: The president can keep the bureaucracy under control through several means: 1. Appointments: The president appoints top officials in federal agencies, including department heads and other key positions. By selecting individuals who align with their policy goals, the president can influence the direction and priorities of the bureaucracy. 2. Executive Orders: The president can issue executive orders to direct the actions of the bureaucracy. These orders can establish or modify policies, clarify existing laws, or streamline bureaucratic processes. 3. Budgetary Control: The president's budget proposal outlines funding priorities for federal agencies. By controlling the budget, the president can influence the activities and scope of the bureaucracy. 4. Oversight and Accountability: The president, through various oversight mechanisms, can hold the bureaucracy accountable for its actions. This includes monitoring agency performance, investigating misconduct, and proposing reforms. 5. Public Pressure: The president can use their platform to highlight issues and mobilize public opinion, putting pressure on the bureaucracy to act in accordance with their priorities. 6. Reorganization: The president has the authority to reorganize the bureaucracy, including merging or abolishing agencies, to improve efficiency or align with policy objectives. Overall, the president's ability to control the bureaucracy depends on their leadership style, political skills, and the broader political context. 117. How does Congress keep the bureaucracy under control? Answer: Congress can keep the bureaucracy under control through several means: 1. Legislative Oversight: Congress has the power to oversee the activities of the executive branch, including federal agencies. This oversight can take the form of hearings, investigations, and the review of agency budgets and performance. 2. Confirmation and Approval: Congress must confirm many high-level executive branch appointments, including department heads and agency leaders. This gives Congress a direct role in shaping the leadership of federal agencies. 3. Legislation: Congress can pass laws that constrain the activities of federal agencies, establish new procedures or requirements for agency actions, or limit agency budgets. 4. Reorganization: Congress can reorganize or abolish federal agencies through legislation, changing the structure and scope of the bureaucracy. 5. Budgetary Control: Congress controls the federal budget, including funding for federal agencies. By controlling the purse strings, Congress can influence the activities and priorities of the bureaucracy. 6. Investigative Powers: Congress has the authority to investigate allegations of misconduct or inefficiency within the bureaucracy, holding agencies accountable for their actions. Overall, Congress's ability to control the bureaucracy depends on its willingness to exercise its oversight powers, as well as its ability to pass legislation that shapes the activities of federal agencies. 118. What does the public think of the bureaucracy? Answer: The public's opinion of the bureaucracy can vary based on a variety of factors, including personal experiences, political beliefs, and perceptions of government effectiveness. Generally, attitudes towards the bureaucracy can be mixed. Some people view the bureaucracy as necessary for the functioning of government, providing essential services and implementing laws passed by elected officials. They may see bureaucrats as dedicated public servants who work to improve society. However, others may have a more negative view, seeing the bureaucracy as inefficient, bloated, and unresponsive. They may perceive bureaucrats as disconnected from the needs of the public, more concerned with following rules and regulations than with delivering results. Public opinion of the bureaucracy can also be influenced by political factors. Those who trust the government and its institutions may have a more positive view of the bureaucracy, while those who are skeptical of government may be more critical. Overall, attitudes towards the bureaucracy can be complex and multifaceted, reflecting a range of opinions and experiences. 119. Are public criticisms of the bureaucracy justified? Answer: Public criticisms of the bureaucracy can be justified in some cases, but not in others. It's important to distinguish between valid criticisms that highlight areas for improvement and overly broad or unfair criticisms that do not accurately reflect the work of the bureaucracy. Justified criticisms of the bureaucracy may include: 1. Inefficiency: There are instances where bureaucratic processes are overly complex, redundant, or slow, leading to inefficiencies in government operations. 2. Lack of Accountability: Some critics argue that the bureaucracy can be unaccountable to the public, with decisions made by unelected officials who may not be responsive to the needs of citizens. 3. Waste and Mismanagement: Concerns about waste and mismanagement of resources within the bureaucracy are valid, as these issues can impact the effectiveness of government programs and services. 4. Bureaucratic Red Tape: Excessive bureaucracy and red tape can hinder innovation and responsiveness, making it difficult for agencies to adapt to changing circumstances. However, it's also important to recognize the valuable role that the bureaucracy plays in implementing laws, delivering services, and ensuring the smooth functioning of government. Not all criticisms of the bureaucracy are justified, and it's important to consider the context and specific circumstances before passing judgment. 120. Comment on reforming the bureaucracy. Answer: Reforming the bureaucracy is a complex and challenging task that requires careful consideration of various factors, including organizational structure, culture, and accountability mechanisms. Some key considerations for reforming the bureaucracy include: 1. Streamlining Processes: Simplifying bureaucratic processes can help reduce inefficiencies and improve the delivery of services. This can involve reducing paperwork, eliminating redundant steps, and leveraging technology to automate tasks. 2. Enhancing Accountability: Improving transparency and accountability within the bureaucracy can help ensure that decisions are made in the public interest. This can involve strengthening oversight mechanisms, implementing performance metrics, and promoting a culture of accountability. 3. Promoting Innovation: Encouraging innovation within the bureaucracy can lead to new and more effective ways of delivering services. This can involve fostering a culture that values experimentation and creativity, as well as providing resources and incentives for innovation. 4. Empowering Employees: Providing bureaucrats with the tools, training, and autonomy they need to do their jobs effectively can lead to better outcomes. This can involve investing in professional development, promoting merit-based promotions, and creating a supportive work environment. 5. Engaging Stakeholders: Involving stakeholders, including the public, in the decision-making process can lead to more responsive and effective government. This can involve seeking input from stakeholders, incorporating their feedback into decision-making, and communicating openly about government actions. 6. Addressing Cultural Issues: Bureaucratic culture can influence how decisions are made and how services are delivered. Addressing cultural issues, such as resistance to change or a lack of customer focus, can help create a more effective and responsive bureaucracy. Overall, reforming the bureaucracy requires a holistic approach that takes into account the complex interplay of factors that influence its functioning. By focusing on streamlining processes, enhancing accountability, promoting innovation, empowering employees, engaging stakeholders, and addressing cultural issues, it is possible to create a bureaucracy that is more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of the public. Test Bank for Approaching Democracy Larry A Berman, Bruce Allen Murphy 9780205903825
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