Question 1

Presidents are often frustrated with the bureaucracy. Why might conflict exist between the goals and desires of the president and the goals and desires of career members of the federal bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

Conflict between the goals and desires of the president and career members of the federal bureaucracy can arise due to a variety of reasons.

Firstly, the president is an elected official with a specific agenda and vision for the country, which may not align with the long-term goals and desires of career bureaucrats. Bureaucrats are often focused on maintaining stability and continuity in their agencies, which can sometimes clash with the president's desire for change and reform.

Additionally, career members of the federal bureaucracy may have their own professional and institutional interests that differ from the president's agenda. They may be resistant to change or new policies that could disrupt their established ways of doing things or threaten their job security.

Furthermore, the president's political appointees may also clash with career bureaucrats, as they may have different priorities and loyalties. This can create tension and conflict within the bureaucracy, as career members may feel pressure to comply with the president's agenda while also trying to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of their agencies.

Overall, conflict between the goals and desires of the president and career members of the federal bureaucracy is a natural result of the different perspectives, priorities, and interests at play within the complex and diverse federal government.

Question 2

Progressive-era reformers hoped to take politics out of public administration. Did they succeed? Is it possible or desirable to remove politics from the provision of public services?

Accepted Answer

Progressive-era reformers did make significant strides in attempting to take politics out of public administration. They implemented civil service reforms, which aimed to replace the spoils system with a merit-based system for hiring and promoting government employees. They also advocated for the creation of independent regulatory agencies to oversee certain industries and protect the public interest.

However, it is difficult to say whether they ultimately succeeded in completely removing politics from public administration. While these reforms certainly reduced the influence of political patronage and corruption, politics still plays a significant role in the provision of public services. Elected officials make decisions about funding, resource allocation, and policy priorities, all of which have political implications.

Furthermore, it may not be entirely possible or desirable to completely remove politics from the provision of public services. Politics is inherently tied to the allocation of resources and the prioritization of certain policies over others. It is important for elected officials to have some level of influence over public administration in order to represent the interests and values of the communities they serve.

That being said, it is crucial to have mechanisms in place to ensure that public administration is conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner. This includes strong ethical standards, oversight by independent bodies, and opportunities for public input and participation. While it may not be feasible to completely divorce politics from public administration, it is essential to strive for a system that prioritizes the public good over partisan interests.

Question 3

Government agencies often look to interest groups to support their goals and programs. To what sort of interest groups might the Department of Agriculture, for example, look for support?

Accepted Answer

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) might look for support from a variety of interest groups that align with its goals and programs. These interest groups can range from those representing farmers and producers to those focused on nutrition, conservation, and rural development. Here are some examples of the types of interest groups the USDA might engage with:

1. **Farmers' Associations and Cooperatives**: Organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, and various commodity-specific groups (e.g., National Corn Growers Association, United Soybean Board) represent the interests of farmers and can provide support for policies that benefit agriculture.

2. **Agricultural Business and Trade Groups**: These include groups like the National Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and the National Milk Producers Federation, which represent the business interests of specific agricultural sectors.

3. **Conservation and Environmental Groups**: Organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Sierra Club may support USDA programs that promote sustainable farming practices, conservation of natural resources, and protection of wildlife habitats.

4. **Food Security and Nutrition Advocacy Groups**: Groups like Feeding America or the Food Research & Action Center might support USDA initiatives aimed at improving food security and nutrition, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school lunch programs.

5. **Rural Development Organizations**: These groups, including the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and the National Rural Housing Coalition, focus on the development and prosperity of rural communities, which is a key concern of the USDA.

6. **Research and Academic Institutions**: Universities and research institutions with agricultural programs often collaborate with the USDA on research initiatives and support evidence-based policy development.

7. **Forestry and Timber Industry Groups**: Since the USDA also oversees the United States Forest Service, it may work with groups like the American Forest & Paper Association to promote sustainable forest management and the timber industry.

8. **Animal Welfare Organizations**: Groups such as the Humane Society of the United States may engage with the USDA on issues related to animal welfare standards in farming practices.

9. **Organic and Specialty Crop Advocates**: Organizations like the Organic Trade Association and local farmers' market associations may support USDA programs that promote organic agriculture and specialty crops.

10. **Technology and Innovation Companies**: Companies and groups that focus on agricultural technology, such as precision farming and biotechnology firms, may support USDA efforts to advance innovation in agriculture.

By collaborating with these and other interest groups, the USDA can leverage their expertise, influence, and networks to further its objectives, gain insights into industry and consumer needs, and enhance the effectiveness of its programs.

Question 4

When the Department of Homeland Security was established in 2002, the Bush administration tried to limit civil service protections for many of its employees. What were some of the reasons advanced for this effort? What might be some good arguments against limiting such protections?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When the Department of Homeland Security was...

Question 5

Despite laws to protect them, whistle-blowers pay a high price for their honesty. What reforms might be needed to further protect whistle-blowers and encourage others to come forward with reports of corruption and waste?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Despite laws to protect them, whistle-blowers pay...

Question 6

The authors state that there are about 2.6 million civilian federal workers. Professor Paul Light has suggested that the federal government "uses contracts, grants, and mandates to state and local governments to hide its true size, thereby creating the illusion that it is smaller than it actually is, and give its departments and agencies much greater flexibility in hiring labor, thereby creating the illusion that the civil-service system is somehow working effectively." If he is correct, what sort of reforms might be necessary to get a clearer picture of federal employment and improve bureaucratic performance?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The authors state that there are about...

Question 7

How did the failure of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to successfully address the problems caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 lead to reforms in that agency? Why was FEMA more successful in dealing with Hurricane Sandy in 2012?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did the failure of the Federal...

Question 8

"Fannie Mae" originally dealt with:

Accepted Answer

Fannie Mae, or the Federal National Mortgage Association, was originally established to expand the secondary mortgage market by securitizing mortgages, thus allowing lenders to reinvest their assets into more lending.

Question 9

"Sallie Mae" originally began as a government-sponsored enterprise designed to promote:

Accepted Answer

Sallie Mae was originally established as a government-sponsored enterprise to provide low-cost loans to students, helping them finance their education.

Question 10

"To the victor go the spoils" was an expression that was followed in the federal bureaucracy under the system of:

Accepted Answer

The expression "To the victor go the spoils" refers to the practice of rewarding political supporters with public office, which is characteristic of the patronage system.

Question 11

According to the myth of bureaucratic incompetence, the federal bureaucracy should run like a:

Accepted Answer

The myth of bureaucratic incompetence suggests that the federal bureaucracy should operate with the efficiency and effectiveness of a private business, focusing on results and customer satisfaction.

Question 12

According to the text, ____ has increasingly become the preferred way of doing the government's business.

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing has increasingly become the preferred way of doing the government's business, as it involves contracting out services to external providers.

Question 13

After World War II, the federal bureaucracy expanded to meet the needs of Americans by:

Accepted Answer

After World War II, the federal government expanded its role in providing financial aid and employment opportunities to the poor through various programs and initiatives, such as the GI Bill and social welfare programs.

Question 14

The federal government responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks almost immediately by creating:

Accepted Answer

The federal government responded to the 9/11 attacks by creating the Office of Homeland Security, which later evolved into the Department of Homeland Security.

Question 15

All of the following are bureaus and divisions under the U.S. Department of Treasury EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The National Assessment Governing Board is not a bureau or division under the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Question 16

Americans were given the right to sue the federal government for damages incurred through governmental actions when the ____ was passed in 1946.

Accepted Answer

The Federal Tort Claims Act, passed in 1946, allows private individuals to sue the United States in federal court for most torts committed by persons acting on behalf of the United States.

Question 17

An indicator of the growth of the federal bureaucracy is the:

Accepted Answer

The growing federal budget is an indicator of the expansion of the federal bureaucracy, as it reflects increased government spending and the potential for more programs, agencies, and employees.

Question 18

An inspector general's office exists to:

Accepted Answer

Inspector general's offices are primarily responsible for investigating complaints or suspicious behavior within government agencies to ensure accountability and integrity.

Question 19

Andrew Jackson saw the political appointment process as a means to promote:

Accepted Answer

Andrew Jackson viewed the political appointment process as a way to promote democracy by implementing the "spoils system," which rewarded political supporters with government positions, thus involving more citizens in government.

Question 20

The merit-based civil service system was created by:

Accepted Answer

The Pendleton Act, passed in 1883, established the merit-based civil service system in the United States, replacing the previous patronage system.

Quiz 13: Bureaucracy