Chapter 9 – The Federal Bureaucracy Reading Comprehension Quiz Multiple Choice Questions 1. The word bureaucracy refers to A. a form of organization that operates through impersonal, uniform rules and procedures. B. any group of officials who act as intermediaries between citizens and government. C. any irrational organization. D. the top-level career officials in the federal government. E. the legislative pages. Answer: A 2. Which of the following statements provides an example of standardization? A. Necessary work skills are so specifically delineated that employees can be trained in enough detail to succeed. B. The leader is in charge of every last person in the organization. C. Rules are implemented through formal processes. D. Clients are assured that they will be treated fairly with whomever they talk. E. Training is mandatory when new technology is adopted. Answer: D 3. Added together, about ___________ million people work for the federal government. A. 20 B. 15 C. 25 D. 10 E. 30 Answer: B 4. Government organizations are classified into four broad categories. Which of the following is NOT one of the four categories? A. Departments B. Independent agencies C. Bureaus D. Independent regulatory commissions E. Government corporations Answer: C 5. A government agency that operates like a business corporation, created to secure greater freedom of action and flexibility for a particular program, is called a(n) A. independent agency. B. department. C. independent regulatory commission. D. government corporation. E. independent department. Answer: D 6. As a general rule, independent agencies are A. larger than departments and work on specific problems. B. smaller than departments and work on state budgets. C. smaller than departments and work on local elections. D. larger than departments and work on general issues. E. smaller than federal departments and work on specific problems. Answer: E 7. The spoils system is defined as A. a group of federal employees who work for government through a competitive, not political, selection. B. a system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends. C. a system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage. D. an agency that administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations. E. an independent agency that oversees and protects merit in the federal government personnel system. Answer: B 8. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is A. a group of federal employees who work for government through a competitive, not political, selection. B. a system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends. C. a system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage. D. an agency that administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations. E. an independent agency that oversees and protects merit in the federal government personnel system. Answer: D 9. Which agency hears charges of wrongdoing and orders corrective and disciplinary action against executive employees or agencies when necessary? A. Civil Service Commission B. Office of Management and Budget C. Office of Personnel Management D. Merit Systems Protection Board E. Senior Executive Service Answer: D 10. The process of putting a law into practice through bureaucratic rules or spending is called A. implementation. B. a rule. C. the Federal Register. D. administrative discretion. E. oversight. Answer: A 11. Programs such as unemployment insurance, disaster relief, or disability payments that provide benefits to all eligible citizens are known as A. central clearance. B. uncontrollable spending. C. entitlement programs. D. police patrol oversight. E. fire alarm oversight. Answer: C 12. Rule making by government entities is governed by A. the Twenty-first Amendment. B. the entities themselves. C. Article III of the Constitution. D. Article I of the Constitution. E. the Administrative Procedure Act. Page Answer: E 13. Legislative or executive review of a particular government program or organization is A. implementation. B. a rule. C. the Federal Register. D. administrative discretion. E. oversight. Answer: E 14. Review of all executive branch testimony, reports, and draft legislation by the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that each communication to Congress is in accordance with the president’s program is called A. central clearance. B. uncontrollable spending. C. entitlement program. D. police patrol oversight. E. fire alarm oversight. Answer: A 15. Which of the following is a power the president CANNOT use to control federal departments and agencies? A. Appointment B. Budgeting C. Reorganization D. Judicial review E. All of the above powers can be used. Answer: D True/False Questions 1. A career government employee is known as an insider. Answer: False 2. When the term bureaucracy was first coined, it referred to fast, effective, and rational administration. Answer: True 3. A government agency or commission with regulatory power whose independence is protected is called an independent regulatory commission. Answer: True 4. Government corporations are distinct from other agencies and bureaus in the federal bureaucracy because they are NOT allowed to make money through the sale of services. Answer: False 5. The merit system is defined as a system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage. Answer: True 6. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is an independent agency that oversees and protects merit in the federal government personnel system. Answer: False 7. All proposed new rules or regulations must be published in the Federal Register. Answer: True 8. Most federal agencies implement the law through the creation of regulations or the spending of government resources. Answer: True 9. Oversight in which the executive and legislative branches of the federal government watch the bureaucracy through a routine pattern of reading key reports and monitoring budgets is called fire alarm oversight. Answer: False 10. Under the system of checks and balances, the party that wins the presidency has complete control of the national government. Answer: False Chapter Examination Multiple Choice Questions 1. About 700,000 people work for the federal government A. in the armed forces. B. in the civil service. C. under contracts to private firms. D. under federal grants to colleges, universities, and state and local governments. E. in the postal service. Answer: E 2. The textbook offers a definition of bureaucrat as a(n) A. career government employee. B. temporary government employee. C. midlevel government employee. D. entry-level government employee. E. executive- or managerial-level government employee. Answer: A 3. Which of the following statements provides an example of specialization? A. Because their necessary work skills are so specifically delineated, employees can be trained in enough detail to succeed. B. The leader is in charge of every last person in the organization. C. Rules are implemented through formal processes. D. Clients are assured that they will be treated fairly by whomever they talk to. E. Training is mandatory when new technology is adopted. Answer: A 4. Which of the following statements provides an example of centralization? A. Necessary work skills are so specifically delineated that employees can be trained in enough detail to succeed. B. The leader is in charge of every last person in the organization. C. Rules are implemented through formal processes. D. Clients are assured that they will be treated fairly by whomever they talk to. E. Training is mandatory when new technology is adopted. Answer: B 5. Since 1965, the number of full-time federal employees has A. grown sharply. B. remained relatively stable. C. sharply declined. D. increased 45 percent. E. decreased 45 percent. Answer: B 6. In addition to regular full-time employees, about 7.6 million people work for the federal government A. in the armed forces. B. in the civil service. C. under contracts to private firms. D. under federal grants to colleges, universities, and state and local governments. E. in the postal service. Answer: C 7. About 1.4 million people work for the federal government A. in the armed forces. B. in the civil service. C. under contracts to private firms. D. under federal grants to colleges, universities, and state and local governments. E. in the postal service. Answer: A 8. About 2.9 million people work for the federal government A. in the armed forces. B. in the civil service. C. under contracts to private firms. D. under federal grants to colleges, universities, and state and local governments. E. in the postal service. Answer: D 9. The bureaucracy is structured so employees follow orders or are fired. This is called A. specialization. B. centralization. C. standardization. D. expertise. E. accountability. Answer: E 10. Which of the following statements provides an example of accountability? A. Necessary work skills are so specifically delineated, employees can be trained in enough detail to succeed. B. The leader is in charge of every last person in the organization. C. Rules are implemented through formal processes. D. Clients are assured that they will be treated fairly whomever they talk to. E. Completion of training is mandatory when new technology is adopted. Answer: E 11. The Federal Administration is responsible for which of the following tasks? A. To balance the budget B. To make the country safe from terrorists C. To faithfully execute all the laws D. To veto bills E. None of the above Answer: C 12. Another word for federal bureaucracy is federal A. administration. B. branch. C. government. D. workforce. E. corporation. Answer: A 13. The textbook offers a definition of bureaucracy as a form of organization that operates through A. personal rules and procedures. B. uniform rules and flexible procedures. C. impersonal, uniform rules and procedures. D. flexible rules and uniform procedures. E. impersonal rules and flexible procedures. Answer: C 14. What did the framers expect regarding the bureaucracy? A. Congress would manage the federal departments and agencies. B. Federal departments and agencies would be relatively small. C. President Washington would assign the executive duties to the vice president. D. Congress would appoint the cabinet and the cabinet would administer the government. E. Bureaucracy would be left to the states except for the national army. Answer: B 15. The federal administration is responsible for one task: to faithfully A. interpret all laws. B. execute all laws. C. execute the orders of the president. D. execute the orders of the cabinet. E. execute convicted felons. Answer: B. 16. All of the following can be considered characteristics that bureaucracies derive their strength from EXCEPT A. unionization. B. centralization. C. standardization. D. accountability. E. specialization. Answer: A 17. A government entity that is independent of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is called a(n) A. independent agency. B. department. C. independent regulatory commission. D. government corporation. E. independent department. Answer: A 18. A government agency or commission with regulatory power whose independence is protected is called a(n) A. independent agency. B. department. C. independent regulatory commission. D. government corporation. E. independent department. Answer: C 19. Today’s 15 departments spend _______ percent of all federal dollars. A. 23 B. 43 C. 93 D. 63 E. 83 Answer: C 20. The only department NOT headed by a secretary is A. Homeland Security. B. Justice. C. Treasury. D. State. E. Agriculture. Answer: B 21. The number of federal governmental departments is A. 8. B. 10 C. 15 D. 70. E. 93. Answer: C 22. The Department of Homeland Security was created by combining elements of 22 separate agencies. It is a good example of a(n) A. single-purpose department. B. patchwork department. C. military department. D. umbrella department. E. independent department. Answer: D 23. Congress created the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989 under pressure from veterans’ groups. This is a good example of a(n) A. single-purpose department. B. patchwork department. C. military department. D. umbrella department. E. independent department. Answer: A 24. How long is the term of the Federal Reserve Board Chair? A. 2 years B. 5 years C. 10 years D. 4 years E. It is a lifetime appointment. Answer: D 25. Measured by budget, the ______ is the largest department of government. A. State Department B. Treasury Department C. Department of Health and Human Services D. Department of Veterans Affairs E. Department of Homeland Security Answer: C 26. Independent regulatory commissions are less responsive to political pressure from either Congress or the president because A. the judiciary controls them. B. commissioners cannot be removed from office without cause before their term expires. C. a three-fourths vote is required in both houses. D. commissioners are appointed for life. E. they do not rely upon Congress for funding. Answer: B 27. All of the following are examples of independent regulatory commissions EXCEPT the A. Consumer Product Safety Commission. B. Securities and Exchange Commission. C. Federal Election Commission. D. Federal Communications Commission. E. Federal Veterans Affairs Commission. Answer: E 28. Independent agencies are usually headed by _______________, the second most senior title in the federal bureaucracy behind secretary or attorney general. A. a senior manager B. a vice president C. a congressional representative D. an administrator E. a federal coordinator Answer: D 29. All of the following are examples of independent agencies EXCEPT the A. Environmental Protection Agency. B. Central Intelligence Agency. C. Federal Election Agency. D. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. E. National Security Agency. Answer: C 30. ___________________ are perhaps the least understood organizations in the federal bureaucracy. A. Departments B. Independent agencies C. Independent regulatory commissions D. Government corporations E. Bureaus Answer: D 31. All of the following are examples of government corporations EXCEPT A. the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. B. the U.S. Postal Service. C. the Environmental Protection Corporation. D. the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. E. AmeriCorps. Answer: C 32. A ________ is usually the largest organization in government and is also the highest rank in the federal hierarchy. A. division B. bureau C. cabinet D. department E. commission Answer: D 33. Which of the following is an example of an independent regulatory commission? A. Department of Homeland Security B. Department of Commerce C. Federal Reserve Board D. Environmental Protection Agency E. United States Postal Service Answer: C 34. Independent regulatory commissions have all of these special characteristics EXCEPT A. they do not report directly to the president. B. they perform legislative functions. C. their members are political appointees whose terms coincide with the president’s. D. they have judicial functions. E. their commissioners must be confirmed by the Senate. Answer: C 35. Independent regulatory commissioners are appointed by the A. Senate. B. House. C. commission. D. president. E. vice president. Answer: D 36. The Environmental Protection Agency best exemplifies a(n) A. independent agency. B. independent regulatory board. C. government corporation. D. bureau. E. department. Answer: A 37. An example of a government corporation is the A. Securities and Exchange Commission. B. U.S. Mint. C. Government Printing Office. D. U.S. Postal Service. E. Department of Education. Answer: D 38. Government corporations are distinct from other agencies and bureaus in the federal bureaucracy because they A. report directly to the OMB rather than Congress. B. are allowed to make money through the sale of services. C. all have a small number of employees. D. are operated as a co-op. E. have to follow merit system rules more closely. Answer: B 39. Independent agencies report A. directly to the voters. B. directly to Congress. C. to the president. D. directly to the federal courts. E. None of the above Answer: C 40. Which of the following is NOT a government corporation? A. Corporation for Public Broadcasting B. U.S. Postal Service C. Amtrak D. American Airlines E. Americorps Answer: D 41. There are roughly ________ independent agencies today. A. 40 B. 50 C. 70 D. 60 E. 30 Answer: B 42. The president’s power to choose his own cabinet is limited by the fact that A. he must choose from a group of applicants approved by the House. B. he must choose from a group of applicants approved by his party. C. his selections must be confirmed by the Senate. D. nominations to cabinet positions must originate from within the department itself. E. All of the above Answer: C 43. ____________________ were created by Congress to undertake independent commercial activities. A. Independent regulatory commissions B. Cabinet departments C. Independent agencies D. Government corporations E. Presidential commissions Answer: D 44. Except for individuals who are extraordinarily close to the president, senior presidential appointees are selected through a four-step process that includes all of the below EXCEPT A. selection by the White House Presidential Personnel Office. B. the White House clearance process. C. delivery of the nominee’s name to the Senate clerk. D. House of Representatives confirmation. E. Senate confirmation. Answer: D 45. Roughly __________ presidential appointees head federal departments and agencies. A. 1,500 B. 2,500 C. 3,000 D. 3,500 E. 4,000 Answer: C 46. The president also appoints another ____________ U.S. marshals, U.S. attorneys, and ambassadors to foreign nations, but he usually makes these appointments on a nonpolitical basis. A. 500 B. 1,000 C. 1,500 D. 2,000 E. 2,500 Answer: C 47. The senior presidential appointees are selected through a _____________ -step process. A. two B. four C. six D. eight E. ten Answer: B 48. The civil service is defined as A. federal employees who work for the government through a competitive, not political, selection. B. a system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends. C. a system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage. D. an agency that administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations. E. an independent agency that oversees and protects merit in the federal government personnel system. Answer: A 49. The merit system is defined as A. federal employees who work for the government through a competitive, not political, selection. B. a system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends. C. a system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage. D. an agency that administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations. E. an independent agency that oversees and protects merit in the federal government personnel system. Answer: C 50. The Merit Systems Protection Board is A. a group of federal employees who work for the government through a competitive, not political, selection. B. a system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends. C. a system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage. D. an agency that administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations. E. an independent agency that oversees and protects merit in the federal government personnel system. Answer: E 51. For the first 100 years of U.S. history, members of the federal civil service were selected in part because of their political loyalty to the president’s party. This was known as A. the federal rewards system. B. federal capitalism. C. the compensation system. D. the spoils system or patronage. E. national clienteleism. Answer: D 52. The merit system that came into existence after the assassination of President James Garfield in 1881 was part of the A. Office of Personnel Management. B. Pendleton Act. C. Hatch Act. D. Garfield Employment Act. E. Civil Service Reform Act. Answer: B 53. The office that administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations is the A. Civil Service Office. B. Office of Personnel Management. C. Civil Service Administration. D. General Accounting Office. E. Office of Human Resources. Answer: B 54. Presidential appointees generally leave their post when A. they have completed their duties. B. the president’s term is up. C. their service is no longer needed. D. All of the above E. None of the above Answer: B 55. EXCEPT for individuals who are extraordinarily close to the president, the first step to being an appointee is being selected by A. the president. B. the vice president. C. the Office of Personnel Management. D. the White House Presidential Personnel Office. E. the party organization. Answer: D 56. A landmark law creating a merit system of civil service was the congressional act named for its sponsor A. Garfield. B. Pendleton. C. Sedman. D. Hatch. E. Menendez. Answer: B 57. The Hatch Act provides that government employees can do all EXCEPT A. make campaign contributions. B. attend political rallies. C. assist in voter registration. D. sell political fund-raising tickets to subordinates. E. None of the above Answer: D 58. Under the _________________ system, political parties rewarded their supporters by giving them government jobs. A. spoils B. merit C. seniority D. Harding E. None of the above Answer: A 59. The Hatch Act made it illegal to fire federal employees for ________________ reasons. A. racial B. personal C. economic D. political E. financial Answer: D 60. The assassination of President ____________ in 1881 led to a major reform of the federal hiring system. A. Clinton B. Hayes C. Harding D. Arthur E. Garfield Answer: E 61. The Pendleton Act was meant to put an end to A. presidential initiative in the appointing of cabinet officers. B. bribe taking by federal officials. C. the spoils system. D. interference by the judicial branch in the appointment of federal officials. E. the merit system. Answer: C 62. The ______________ is made up of about 7,000 high-level officials who work closely with presidential appointees. A. Secret Service B. Executive Auxiliary Corps C. Senior Civil Service D. Elite Federal Employee Union E. Senior Executive Service Answer: E 63. A precise statement of how a law is implemented is called A. implementation. B. a rule. C. the Federal Register. D. administrative discretion. E. oversight. Answer: B 64. Authority given by Congress to the federal bureaucracy to use reasonable judgment in implementing the laws is called A. implementation. B. rule. C. Federal Register. D. administrative discretion. E. oversight. Answer: D 65. The portion of the federal budget that is spent on programs, such as Social Security, that the president and Congress are unwilling to cut is known as A. central clearance. B. uncontrollable spending. C. an entitlement program. D. police patrol oversight. E. fire alarm oversight. Answer: B 66. The official record of what the federal bureaucracy does is known as A. implementation. B. the Rules of Bureaucracy. C. the Federal Register. D. administrative discretion. E. the oversight log. Answer: C 67. Congress gives federal agencies ___________________ to implement the law in the most effective and efficient way possible. A. executive discretion B. almost no discretion C. administrative discretion D. tightly constrained discretion E. None of the above Answer: C 68. Uncontrollable spending includes spending on all of the following EXCEPT A. Medicare. B. Social Security. C. new weapons programs. D. college loans. E. help for victims of natural disasters. Answer: C 69. Disaster relief is an example of what type of spending? A. Controllable B. Fixed C. Entitlement program D. Enfranchisement program E. Discretionary Answer: C 70. Regulations, or rules, are designed to convert ____________________ into actions. A. laws B. the will of the president C. the views of cabinet heads D. the policy initiatives of the executive branch E. good intentions Answer: A 71. The making of bureaucratic rules and regulations is governed by the A. Administrative Procedure Act. B. Federal Regulations Index. C. Register of Federal Policies and Rules. D. Hatch Act. E. All of the above Answer: A 72. Which of the following is NOT a key area of responsibility for the federal bureaucracy? A. Setting the policy agenda B. Implementing policy C. Creating and enforcing regulations D. Making spending decisions E. All of the above are key areas. Answer: A 73. Oversight in which the executive and legislative branches of the federal government watch the bureaucracy through a routine pattern of reading key reports and monitoring budgets is known as A. central clearance. B. uncontrollable spending. C. an entitlement program. D. police patrol oversight. E. fire alarm oversight. Answer: D 74. Oversight in which the executive and legislative branches of the federal government wait for citizens, interest groups, or the press to find a major problem is known as A. central clearance. B. uncontrollable spending. C. an entitlement program. D. police patrol oversight. E. fire alarm oversight. Answer: E 75. Every president enters office promising to make federal agencies A. work better. B. reduced in size. C. cut back spending. D. increase entitlement programs. E. None of the above Answer: A 76. Legislative or executive review of a particular government program of organization is called A. executive review. B. bureaucracy regulation. C. random checks. D. oversight. E. None of the above Answer: D 77. Which of the following is a way that the president can monitor the federal bureaucracy? A. Putting loyal appointees in top jobs at key agencies B. Calling cabinet meetings to learn about what is happening in various agencies C. Directing White House aides to oversee agencies D. Utilizing the Office of Management and Budget E. All of the above Answer: E 78. ____________, the process of monitoring the day-to-day activities of an agency or department, is an important tool for holding government accountable. A. Presidential review B. Fact-checking C. Auditing D. Oversight E. None of the above Answer: D 79. Public confidence in the executive branch A. has been declining over the past 10 years. B. has been increasing over the past 10 years. C. has remained about the same over the past 10 years. D. increased from 2000 to 2005, then decreased. E. decreased from 2000 to 2005, then increased. Answer: A True/False Questions 1. The framers expected that federal departments and agencies would be relatively small. Answer: True 2. The textbook offers a definition of bureaucracy that defines it as a form of organization that operates through personal rules and procedures. Answer: False 3. The textbook offers a definition of bureaucrat that defines one as a career government employee. Answer: True 4. Among the bureaucratic arms of government, the postal service has the most employees. Answer: True 5. A government entity that is independent of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is called a government corporation. Answer: False 6. Departments are usually the largest organizations in government with the largest missions and the highest rank in the federal hierarchy. Answer: True 7. A government agency that operates like a business corporation, created to secure greater freedom of action and flexibility for a particular program, is called a government corporation. Answer: True 8. Measured by the total number of employees, Defense is the largest department. Answer: True 9. The number of federal governmental departments is 70. Answer: False 10. The Department of Homeland Security was created by combining elements of 22 separate agencies; it is an umbrella department. Answer: True 11. Congress created the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989 under pressure from veterans’ groups; it is a single-purpose department. Answer: True 12. Independent regulatory commissions are usually the largest organizations in government. Answer: False 13. Independent agencies can never be of more political importance to a president than a department. Answer: False 14. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent regulatory commission. Answer: True 15. Some presidential appointees may skip the four-step selection process if they are very close to the president. Answer: True 16. Most federal employees owe their job to the decision of a political official to appoint them to their position. Answer: False 17. Except for individuals who are extraordinarily close to the president, senior presidential appointees are selected through a four-step process that includes selection by the White House Presidential Personnel Office, the White House clearance process, delivery of the nominee’s name to the Senate clerk, and Senate confirmation. Answer: True 18. The civil service is defined as federal employees who work for government through a competitive, NOT political, selection. Answer: True 19. The spoils system is defined as a system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends. Answer: True 20. The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent agency that oversees and protects merit in the federal government personnel system. Answer: True 21. For the first 100 years of U.S. history, members of the federal civil service were selected in part because of their political loyalty to the president’s party. This was known as the federal rewards system. Answer: False 22. The merit system that came into existence after the assassination of President James Garfield in 1881 was part of the Hatch Act. Answer: False 23. The assassination of President Garfield and the political corruption that influenced the assassin led to the Pendleton Act. Answer: True 24. The spoils system is based on rewarding party loyalists and friends. Answer: True 25. The Merit Systems Protection Board administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations. Answer: False 26. The four-step process for presidential appointee selections works like this: 1) the White House selects a nominee, 2) the White House puts the nominee through a clearing process, 3) the president submits the name of the nominee to the Senate clerk, and 4) the Senate confirmation committee reviews the appointment. Answer: True 27. Fifty-five percent of federal employees work in the armed forces or in the U.S. Postal Service. Answer: True 28. The 1883 Pendleton Act created an independent Civil Service Commission. Answer: True 29. The portion of the federal budget that is spent on programs, such as Social Security, that the president and Congress are unwilling to cut is called uncontrollable spending. Answer: True 30. Programs such as unemployment insurance, disaster relief, or disability payments that provide benefits to all eligible citizens are called entitlement programs. Answer: True 31. Oversight in which the executive and legislative branches of the federal government wait for citizens, interest groups, or the press to find a major problem is called police patrol oversight. Answer: False 32. The Office of Management and Budget plays a key role in the oversight process. Answer: True 33. The general goal of “police patrol” oversight is to detect criminal activity among federal employees. Answer: False 34. “Fire alarm” oversight involves the reporting of major problems with government by nongovernmental individuals and institutions. Answer: True 35. Both the Congress and the president use the budget as a key tool for shaping the activities of the federal government. Answer: True 36. Presidents can shape policy implementation by influencing the creation of new bureaucratic rules and regulations. Answer: True 37. Members of Congress are barred by law from interceding with federal officials on behalf of their constituents. Answer: False Short Answer Questions 1. Define bureaucrat in the modern sense. Answer: Bureaucrat: A bureaucrat is a professional civil servant who works within a structured, hierarchical organization in government or large institutions, executing policies and administrative functions. 2. Identify the six characteristics of bureaucracy as defined by Max Weber. Answer: Max Weber’s Bureaucracy Characteristics: • Hierarchical Structure • Specialization and Division of Labor • Formal Rules and Regulations • Impersonality • Merit-Based Employment • Formal Authority 3. Name the four departments closest to the president and describe their function. Answer: Four Departments Closest to the President: • Department of State: Manages foreign affairs. • Department of Defense: Oversees national security and armed forces. • Department of Treasury: Handles economic and financial matters. • Department of Justice: Enforces the law and administers justice. 4. Describe what is unique about independent regulatory commissions. Answer: Independent Regulatory Commissions: These are unique because they are designed to regulate specific areas of the economy, operate independently from presidential control, and have quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers. 5. Name some independent agencies and define their role in government. Answer: Independent Agencies: Examples include the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) which enforces environmental regulations, and the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) which manages space exploration and research. 6. Name at least two government corporations and describe what they do specifically. Also note what is unique about government corporations in general. Answer: Government Corporations: • United States Postal Service (USPS): Provides mail services. • Amtrak: Operates passenger rail services. • Unique Aspect: Government corporations operate like private businesses but are owned by the government, providing services that are not profitable for private enterprises. 7. Describe the Hatch Act and its impact upon federal employees. Answer: Hatch Act: Limits federal employees' political activities to prevent partisan influence in government operations, restricting their involvement in political campaigns and partisan activities. 8. What does the Merit Systems Protection Board do? Answer: Merit Systems Protection Board: Protects federal employees from unfair practices and reviews appeals related to personnel actions, ensuring adherence to merit principles. 9. What is the Senior Executive Service? Answer: Senior Executive Service (SES): A corps of high-level federal executives who manage major government operations and programs, providing leadership and policy direction. 10. What is a merit system? Answer: Merit System: A system of hiring and promoting government employees based on qualifications and performance rather than political connections. 11. What is the main thing the Office of Personnel Management does? Answer: Office of Personnel Management (OPM): Manages federal human resources, including hiring, developing, and maintaining the federal workforce. 12. Describe the civil service as it existed before the Pendleton Act. Answer: Civil Service before Pendleton Act: Characterized by patronage, where jobs were often awarded based on political connections and loyalty rather than merit or qualifications. 13. What are entitlement programs? Name at least three. Answer: Entitlement Programs: Government programs that provide benefits to eligible individuals regardless of need. Examples include Social Security, Medicare, and Unemployment Insurance. 14. Describe the role of administrative discretion in implementing laws. Answer: Administrative Discretion: The ability of bureaucrats to interpret and implement laws based on their judgment, allowing flexibility in how laws are applied and enforced. 15. What is a rule? Answer: Rule: A formal guideline or regulation created by a federal agency to implement and enforce laws enacted by Congress. 16. Provide three examples of uncontrollable spending. Answer: Uncontrollable Spending Examples: Social Security benefits, Medicare expenses, and interest on the national debt. 17. Describe two types of legislative oversight. Answer: Legislative Oversight Types: Committee Hearings to review agency activities, and Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports for evaluating agency performance and spending. 18. Describe three tools available to the president to control the bureaucracy. Answer: Presidential Tools to Control the Bureaucracy: Executive Orders to direct agency actions, budget control to influence funding, and appointment power to select agency heads. 19. How has public confidence in the executive branch changed over the past ten years? Answer: Public Confidence in the Executive Branch: It has generally declined over the past ten years due to various scandals, policy disagreements, and perceived inefficiencies in government operations. Essay Questions 1. Discuss the three key decisions made by the framers about executing the laws that continue to shape the federal administration to this day. Answer: Key Decisions by the Framers Regarding Executive Law Execution The framers of the U.S. Constitution made several critical decisions about executing laws that continue to shape the federal administration. First, they established a single executive, the President, to ensure a clear and accountable leadership for enforcing laws, contrasting with the multi-person executive councils common in some states and countries. This decision aimed to provide a strong, decisive leader while avoiding the potential for factionalism and inefficiency. Second, they created the executive branch's structure and powers, granting the President the authority to oversee the administration of federal laws and policies. This decision included the power to appoint executive officers and department heads, ensuring that the President could implement and enforce laws effectively. Third, the framers incorporated the checks and balances system, where the President's powers are balanced by Congress and the Judiciary. This system ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, providing oversight and accountability for executive actions. 2. Describe the four types of federal organizations in comparison to each other. Answer: Four Types of Federal Organizations Federal organizations are categorized into four main types, each with distinct functions and structures. Cabinet Departments are the primary executive departments, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for broad areas of national policy and administration. Independent Agencies, like NASA and the EPA, operate outside the executive departments and handle specific functions or regulatory responsibilities. They are established to focus on particular issues and often have greater operational autonomy. Independent Regulatory Commissions, such as the Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission, are created to regulate specific economic activities and enforce rules in their areas of expertise. They are designed to operate independently from direct presidential control to ensure impartiality. Government Corporations, including the U.S. Postal Service and Amtrak, are established to provide services that could be offered by private enterprises but are operated by the government to ensure universal access and public interest. Each type of organization has a unique role in the federal government, contributing to the diverse functions and management of federal policies and services. 3. Describe the various ways the government implements new laws. Answer: Implementation of New Laws The government implements new laws through several key processes. Regulations are developed by executive agencies, which translate broad legislative mandates into detailed rules and procedures. These regulations are crafted through a process that includes drafting, public comment, and final issuance, ensuring that laws are applied effectively. Administrative Procedures involve the creation of guidelines and policies that agencies use to enforce new laws. Agencies use these procedures to manage how laws are executed and to address any practical issues that arise. Executive Orders issued by the President can direct how laws are to be implemented or enforced, providing immediate and specific guidance to federal agencies. Legislative Oversight by Congress involves monitoring and reviewing how laws are implemented by various agencies. This ensures that the agencies adhere to legislative intent and make necessary adjustments. Judicial Review allows courts to interpret laws and their implementation, ensuring that executive actions comply with constitutional and statutory requirements. Courts can influence how laws are applied and provide checks on executive actions. 4. What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of working for the federal government? Answer: Advantages and Disadvantages of Working for the Federal Government Advantages: 1. Job Security: Federal jobs often offer greater stability compared to private sector positions, with protections against arbitrary dismissal and layoffs. 2. Benefits: Federal employees typically receive comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and generous leave policies, which contribute to overall job satisfaction and security. 3. Work-Life Balance: Federal positions often come with reasonable work hours and opportunities for flexible scheduling, promoting a better work-life balance. 4. Career Development: Federal jobs provide opportunities for professional development, including training and educational programs, and the potential for advancement within a structured system. Disadvantages: 1. Bureaucracy: Federal employees may face bureaucratic red tape and slow decision-making processes, which can hinder job satisfaction and efficiency. 2. Lower Salaries: In some cases, federal salaries can be lower than those in the private sector, particularly for specialized fields where market rates are higher. 3. Political Influence: Federal employees might experience the impact of political changes and administrative shifts, which can affect job stability and policy direction. 4. Limited Flexibility: Government roles can be rigid in terms of job responsibilities and work procedures, offering less flexibility compared to private sector roles. Overall, working for the federal government provides substantial benefits but also comes with challenges related to bureaucracy and compensation. 5. Compare and contrast the 1939 Hatch Act and the amended Hatch Act. Answer: Comparison of the 1939 Hatch Act and the Amended Hatch Act The original 1939 Hatch Act aimed to restrict political activities of federal employees to ensure nonpartisan administration of government functions. It prohibited federal workers from engaging in political campaigning and holding partisan office, seeking to prevent political bias and ensure the neutrality of the civil service. The amended Hatch Act, revised in 1993, relaxed some restrictions to allow federal employees more political engagement, such as running for office in nonpartisan elections and participating in political activities outside of work. However, it still prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities while on duty or using their official positions to influence elections. The amendments aimed to balance the need for political neutrality with the recognition of employees' rights to political participation. 6. How are presidential appointees and the members of the senior executive service related? How are they dissimilar? Answer: Presidential Appointees vs. Senior Executive Service Presidential Appointees are individuals selected by the President to serve in key positions, such as Cabinet members, ambassadors, and agency heads. They are directly appointed by the President and serve at the pleasure of the President, reflecting the administration's policies and priorities. The Senior Executive Service (SES) consists of career professionals who manage the day-to-day operations of federal agencies and are not appointed by the President. SES members are selected based on their experience and performance, providing continuity and expertise in the federal bureaucracy regardless of presidential changes. Similarities: • Both groups are high-level federal officials with significant responsibilities in managing and implementing government policies. • Both are involved in shaping the administration’s approach to federal management. Differences: • Presidential Appointees serve at the pleasure of the President and are subject to political shifts, while SES members are career professionals who provide stability across different administrations. • Presidential appointees are often chosen for political reasons or to implement specific policy agendas, whereas SES members are selected based on merit and professional qualifications. 7. Contrast the spoils system and the merit system. Which system leads to better government? Why do you think so? Spoils System vs. Merit System The spoils system is a practice where political leaders award government positions to their supporters and party loyalists as a reward for their political backing. This system, prevalent in the 19th century, led to widespread corruption and inefficiency, as positions were often filled based on political connections rather than qualifications. In contrast, the merit system was established to replace the spoils system and is based on hiring and promoting government employees based on their qualifications, skills, and performance. This system, formalized by the Pendleton Act of 1883, aims to ensure a professional, efficient, and nonpartisan civil service. The merit system generally leads to better government compared to the spoils system. The merit-based approach fosters a more professional and competent workforce by ensuring that positions are filled based on expertise and performance. This reduces corruption and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. By promoting fairness and competence, the merit system helps maintain a stable and effective administration, ultimately leading to better public service and governance. 8. Describe the role the Federal Register plays in implementing rules. Answer: The Federal Register is a daily publication that plays a crucial role in the implementation of federal rules and regulations. Its primary functions include: 1. Publishing Proposed Rules: Agencies use the Federal Register to publish proposed rules and regulations, which provides transparency and allows the public to review and comment on them before they are finalized. 2. Announcing Final Rules: Once a rule has been finalized, it is published in the Federal Register, along with any changes made in response to public comments. This formalizes the rule and sets its effective date. 3. Notifying the Public: The Federal Register serves as the official channel for communicating important government actions, such as executive orders, presidential proclamations, and notices of hearings. 4. Providing Legal Notice: By publishing these documents, the Federal Register ensures that the public and affected parties have official notice of regulatory changes, which is essential for legal and administrative compliance. This process ensures transparency, accountability, and public participation in the rule-making process, promoting a democratic approach to implementing and enforcing federal regulations. 9. Discuss the role uncontrollable spending plays in the annual rise in federal spending. Answer: Uncontrollable spending, often referred to as mandatory spending, significantly contributes to the annual rise in federal spending. This category primarily includes expenditures on entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Unlike discretionary spending, which is subject to annual appropriations and can be adjusted by Congress, uncontrollable spending is largely driven by pre-existing laws and demographic changes. As the population ages and healthcare costs rise, mandatory spending on these programs naturally increases, often outpacing revenue growth and contributing to higher overall federal spending. This automatic increase in spending limits the government's flexibility in budgetary decisions, often leading to rising national deficits and debt as mandatory outlays grow regardless of changes in discretionary spending or economic conditions. Thus, uncontrollable spending plays a critical role in driving the continuous rise in federal expenditures. 10. What tools are at Congress’s disposal to control the bureaucracy? Answer: Tools Congress Uses to Control the Bureaucracy: 1. Oversight Hearings: Congress conducts hearings to review and evaluate the performance and compliance of federal agencies, holding them accountable for their actions. 2. Budgetary Control: Through the power of the purse, Congress can influence agencies by adjusting their funding levels, which can restrict or expand their operational capacities. 3. Legislation: Congress can pass laws that alter or limit bureaucratic functions, redefine agency mandates, or impose additional requirements. 11. What tools are at the president’s disposal to control the bureaucracy? Answer: Tools the President Uses to Control the Bureaucracy: 1. Executive Orders: The President can issue directives that shape how agencies implement policies and regulations. 2. Appointments: The President appoints key agency heads and senior officials, influencing the direction and priorities of the bureaucracy. 3. Budget Proposals: The President proposes the federal budget, including funding levels for agencies, which can affect their operations. 12. What tools do the president and Congress share to control bureaucracy? Answer: Shared Tools: 1. Legislation: Both the President and Congress can propose and enact laws affecting the bureaucracy’s structure and function. 2. Appointments: Presidential appointments require Senate confirmation, thus blending both branches' influence in staffing key positions. 3. Oversight: While Congress conducts hearings, the President can also use executive oversight to ensure agencies align with administration goals. Test Bank for Government by the People David B. Magleby, Paul C. Light, Christine L. Nemacheck 9780205073245, 9780134732831
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