Question 1

The concept of oversight refers to the effort made by

Accepted Answer

Oversight refers to the process by which Congress monitors and oversees the actions of executive agencies to ensure they are acting in accordance with the law and are accountable to the American people. Oversight is a key function of the legislative branch of government, and is essential to ensuring that the government operates in an open, transparent, and accountable manner.

Question 2

Which of the following statements best characterizes the government's spending on federal contracts in recent years?

Accepted Answer

The statement that best characterizes the government's spending on federal contracts in recent years is that the amount of spending on federal contracts has increased significantly overall since 2000, but for the first time in 13 years, spending on outside contractors declined in 2011. This is supported by data from the Federal Procurement Data System, which shows an upward trend in federal contract spending from 2000 to 2010, with a decrease in 2011. Option A is incorrect because it suggests that the spending has not changed, which is not true. Option B and E are also incorrect as they suggest a steady decline in spending, which is not supported by data. Option D is incorrect as there was not a significant decline in spending between 2000 and 2005 as suggested.

Question 3

Which of the following is an agency created by Congress to assist it in overseeing the federal bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is an agency created by Congress to assist in overseeing the federal bureaucracy. It provides independent analysis on economic and budgetary issues to support the Congressional budget process. While the other options listed may also assist Congress in various ways, they are not specifically created to oversee the federal bureaucracy.

Question 4

Making permanent cuts in existing agencies is often difficult because

Accepted Answer

Agencies often have a supportive constituency, whether it be special interest groups, lobbyists, or the general public, who will fight against any cuts to their funding or programs. This can make it difficult to make permanent cuts to existing agencies.

Question 5

During the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, ________ federal agencies or programs were terminated.

Accepted Answer

During the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, no federal agencies or programs were terminated. While both presidents advocated for smaller government and reduced regulation, they did not follow through with significant efforts to eliminate federal programs or agencies.

Question 6

Executive privilege refers to the

Accepted Answer

Executive privilege refers to the claim that confidential communications between a president and close advisers should not be revealed without the consent of the president. It allows the president to keep certain information confidential, even if requested by Congress or a court.

Question 7

The "virtual fourth branch of government" refers to ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The "virtual fourth branch of government" refers...

Question 8

Which of the following statements best describes how recent administrations have approached the issue of bureaucratic reform?

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects how recent administrations have approached bureaucratic reform. Democratic administrations have sought to make the existing bureaucracy work more effectively, while Republican administrations have favored reducing bureaucracy by contracting out government work to private companies.

Question 9

What were government officials trying to accomplish when they called for the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act to create an additional database that would record contractors who have legal or contract violations?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of creating an additional database that records contractors who have legal or contract violations is to provide adequate government oversight for an increasingly expanding force of independent contractors. This will allow the government to keep track of contractors' compliance with legal and contractual obligations, and take appropriate actions when violations occur.

Question 10

Which of the following is the most constitutionally essential way to make the bureaucracy responsible?

Accepted Answer

Congressional oversight is the most constitutionally essential way to make the bureaucracy responsible as it holds the bureaucracy accountable to the people's representatives. The bureaucracy is a branch of the executive branch and is not directly accountable to the public. Thus, it is the job of Congress to oversee the bureaucracy and ensure that it is functioning in the way that the public expects. This oversight can take many forms, such as requiring regular reports, holding hearings, and conducting investigations. By doing so, Congress can ensure that the bureaucracy is working in the public's best interest and that it is accountable for its actions.

Question 11

The most significant example of devolution in recent decades has been in the area of ________.

Accepted Answer

Welfare policy has seen significant devolution, with responsibilities and control shifting from the federal government to state governments, particularly following the 1996 welfare reform.

Question 12

The executive budget was created in ________.

Accepted Answer

The executive budget was created in 1921 with the passage of the Budget and Accounting Act.

Question 13

One drawback of devolution is that

Accepted Answer

Devolution can lead to variability in standards between states, which can make it difficult to ensure that programs are being implemented consistently and effectively. This can create problems for both the states and the federal government, as it can lead to confusion and inefficiency.

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the National Performance Review?

Accepted Answer

The National Performance Review was a government initiative launched in 1993 to improve efficiency in federal agencies. As part of this initiative, the federal workforce was reduced by about 10 percent through measures such as attrition, early retirement, and limiting hiring. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. None of the other options mentioned are accurate.

Question 15

Privatization is a way to

Accepted Answer

Privatization involves transferring government services or property to the private sector, in order to decrease government costs. Therefore, choice B is the best answer, as it accurately describes what privatization is and how it can reduce government costs.

Question 16

Which president was most concerned with managing and reorganizing the executive bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which president was most concerned with managing...

Question 17

Which president's approach to the managerial presidency featured a deep belief in the importance of scientific expertise in government service?

Accepted Answer

Barack Obama's presidency was characterized by a strong emphasis on scientific expertise and evidence-based decision-making in government, as seen in his appointments and policy initiatives.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a key strategy used to promote bureaucratic reform?

Accepted Answer

Regulation is not a key strategy used to promote bureaucratic reform. The other four options all represent strategies that have been used to reform bureaucratic structures and processes. Reinventing government involves a comprehensive review and restructuring of government operations. Termination involves eliminating government programs, agencies, or offices that are deemed unnecessary or ineffective. Devolution involves transferring the responsibility for certain government functions from the federal level to the state or local level. Privatization involves contracting out government functions to private companies. Regulation, on the other hand, is a tool used by government to control or influence behavior in certain sectors or industries, but it does not necessarily involve reforming bureaucratic structures or processes within government itself.

Question 19

Devolution describes a process through which

Accepted Answer

Devolution is the process of transferring power and responsibilities from the federal government to state and local governments. This can include delegating the implementation of programs and services to state and local governments, as well as downsizing the federal government. Option A, D, and E are incorrect as they are not related to the concept of devolution. Option C is incorrect as it suggests the opposite of devolution, which is centralization.

Question 20

What was the mission of the National Performance Review?

Accepted Answer

The National Performance Review was created in 1993 by President Bill Clinton with the mission of reorganizing the federal bureaucracy to make it more efficient, more accountable, and less wasteful. Its aim was to improve the delivery of services to the American people while saving taxpayers' money by reducing bureaucracy, streamlining processes, and cutting unnecessary programs.

Quiz 14: Bureaucracy in a Democracy