Deck 16: The Bureaucracy

Question 1

Recess appointments are used for which of the following?

A)to stand in for a senator when he or she is on vacation
B)to circumvent congressional opposition to an appointment
C)to circumvent political opposition from the president
D)to limit conflict between the president and agency heads
E)to limit conflict between the president and cabinet secretaries

Answer 1

B

Question 2

What is implementation?

A)the process by which a law or policy is put into practice
B)the development of rules governing the operation of a government program
C)a set of procedures executive branch agencies must follow when issuing rules
D)the process by which government agencies settle legal disputes
E)a set of rules enforcing government agreements with private contractors

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The __________ is the departments,agencies,and offices within the executive branch that perform the functions of government.

A)administration
B)bureaucracy
C)cabinet
D)civil service
E)iron triangle

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Under the spoils system,who was awarded jobs in the federal bureaucracy?

A)those who scored highest on aptitude tests
B)those who did not affiliate with a political party
C)those who previously served in the military
D)those who previously held elected office
E)those who helped candidates win election

Question 5

Cabinet secretaries are appointed by __________ and confirmed by __________.

A)the president; the Senate
B)the president; the House of Representatives
C)the president; the Supreme Court
D)the Senate; the president
E)the House of Representatives; the Supreme Court

Question 6

The Civil Service Commission was established following passage of what law?

A)the Hatch Act
B)the Pendleton Act
C)the Administrative Procedure Act
D)the Freedom of Information Act
E)the Ethics in Government Act

Question 7

What problem occurs when someone contracts with another person to provide a service and yet cannot directly observe what that person is doing?

A)a drift problem
B)affiliation slack problem
C)a principal-agent problem
D)diplomacy capture problem
E)a red tape problem

Question 8

Bureaucrats engage in activities including __________.

A)passing legislation
B)implementing laws
C)overseeing Congress
D)overseeing the federal court system
E)campaigning for office

Question 9

__________ are informal expressions of the customs,attitudes,and expectations of people who work within a bureaucratic agency.

A)Rules
B)Regulations
C)Norms
D)Habits
E)Regimes

Question 10

Which law designates the steps that federal agencies must follow in issuing rules and regulations?

A)the Administrative Procedure Act
B)the Freedom of Information Act
C)the Hatch Act
D)the Pendleton Act
E)the Privacy Act

Question 11

What function is the National Labor Relations board carrying out when it settles disputes between labor and management on federal labor laws?

A)creating regulations
B)adjudicating/engaging in quasi-judicial processes
C)providing expert advice
D)providing a check on congressional power
E)providing a check on judicial power

Question 12

What executive branch department was most recently created?

A)the Department of Health and Human Services
B)the Department of Transportation
C)the Department of Homeland Security
D)the Department of Labor
E)the Department of Education

Question 13

The largest organizational unit in the federal bureaucracy is a(n)__________.

A)agency
B)bureau
C)commission
D)corporation
E)department

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a bureaucratic organization?

A)the Department of Defense
B)the U.S.House of Representatives
C)the U.S.Supreme Court
D)the Democratic Party
E)the Maryland state legislature

Question 15

The Administrative Procedure Act states that agencies must take what step before issuing new rules?

A)They must ask the president to initiate the new rule.
B)They must allow Congress to vote on any new rule.
C)They must seek approval from the federal courts.
D)They must allow the public to vote on any new rule.
E)They must allow interested parties to express their opinions.

Question 16

The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in what activity?

A)adjudicating legal disputes
B)exercising administrative discretion
C)running for elected office
D)refusing to implement laws passed by Congress
E)ignoring the directives of the president

Question 17

__________ is the inefficiency and waste that result from excessive regulation.

A)politicization
B)procedures
C)red tape
D)standards
E)agency capture

Question 18

How does Congress exercise control over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy?

A)by issuing executive orders
B)by issuing reports through the Office of Management and Budget
C)by nominating appointees to key positions in federal agencies
D)by confirming appointees to key positions in federal agencies
E)by confirming appointees to key judicial positions

Question 19

__________ refers to a bureaucrat who witnesses and publicly exposes wrongdoings by either contacting his or her political superiors or tipping off the press.

A)Cabinet secretary
B)Whistle-blower
C)Recess appointee
D)Civil servant
E)Agency head

Question 20

The __________ was one of the first executive branch departments in the U.S.government.

A)the Department of Agriculture
B)the Department of Labor
C)the Department of the Interior
D)the Commerce Department
E)the Treasury Department

Question 21

Before 1883,how were government jobs awarded?

A)Jobs were awarded based on applicants' expertise.
B)Jobs were awarded based on applicants' personal wealth.
C)Jobs were awarded based on applicants' performance on entrance exams.
D)Jobs were awarded based on applicants' loyalty to the party in power.
E)Jobs were awarded through a lottery system.

Question 22

The term "rubber hits the road" applies best to which of the following?

A)media reporting of bureaucratic actions
B)decisions of the federal courts
C)laws passed by Congress
D)political appointments by the executive branch
E)the implementation of public policy

Question 23

What is the main purpose served by government corporations?

A)generating profit for the federal government
B)providing services not fully trusted to the private sector
C)breaking up monopolies
D)expanding international trade
E)regulating sectors of the economy

Question 24

Which of the following is an example of a government corporation?

A)the Food and Drug Administration
B)the Federal Elections Commission
C)the U.S.Postal Service
D)the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
E)the Environmental Protection Agency

Question 25

A bureaucrat who implements a policy in a way that may be somewhat different from what policymakers intended is engaging in which of these?

A)slack
B)drift
C)capture
D)spoils
E)norms

Question 26

How are independent regulatory commissions similar to independent executive agencies?

A)Both are headed by a single administrator.
B)Both are part of the president's Cabinet.
C)Both operate outside of executive department control.
D)Both are allowed to charge for their services.
E)Both perform activities that private investors cannot.

Question 27

Which of the following is an example of an independent agency?

A)the Social Security Administration
B)the Department of Health and Human Services
C)the Consumer Product Safety Commission
D)the Tennessee Valley Authority
E)the U.S.Postal Service

Question 28

One purpose of the Administrative Procedure Act is to __________.

A)ensure opportunities for public participation in the rule-making process
B)give federal agencies greater discretion in the rule-making process
C)streamline bureaucratic activities in the rule-making process
D)give the president greater control over the rule-making process
E)discourage agencies from drafting new regulations

Question 29

Congress and the president share which of the following powers over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy?

A)the power to influence budgets
B)the power to issue executive orders
C)the power to sign executive agreements
D)the power to hold oversight hearings
E)the power to use inspectors general

Question 30

Which of the following is a function of departments and agencies within the federal bureaucracy?

A)issuing executive orders
B)issuing executive agreements
C)implementing public policies
D)reviewing court decisions
E)drafting legislation

Question 31

How does the president benefit from centralization?

A)It makes it more likely that president's legislative initiatives will be enacted.
B)It gives the president greater access to policy experts.
C)It gives the president greater control over agency appointments.
D)It gives the president greater control over agency budgets.
E)It gives the president greater ability to monitor federal bureaucrats.

Question 32

How did the Pendleton Act reform the system of hiring and firing federal employees?

A)It required hiring and firing decisions to be based on partisan loyalty rather than merit.
B)It required hiring and firing decisions to be based on merit rather than partisan loyalty.
C)It continued to allow hiring on the basis of merit,but made firing federal employees easier.
D)It continued to allow hiring on the basis of partisan loyalty,but made firing federal employees more difficult.
E)It allowed hiring on the basis of partisan loyalty,and made firing federal employees easier.

Question 33

What role is the Environmental Protection Agency taking when it sets limits on air pollution from power plants?

A)regulation
B)adjudication
C)intervention
D)oversight
E)deliberation

Question 34

In recent years,privatization and outsourcing has __________.

A)increased at the federal level
B)decreased at the federal level
C)decreased at the state level
D)received greater public support
E)received less public support

Question 35

How do departments differ from independent agencies?

A)Department heads are appointed by the president; agency heads are not.
B)Agency heads are part of the president's cabinet; department heads are not.
C)Department heads are part of the president's cabinet; agency heads are not.
D)Departments cover a wider range of functions than agencies.
E)Agencies are typically larger than and include several departments.

Question 36

How do government corporations differ from private companies?

A)Government corporations perform activities that private companies cannot.
B)Government corporations cannot borrow money,whereas private companies can.
C)Government corporations cannot sell stock,whereas private companies can.
D)Government corporations can borrow money,whereas private companies cannot.
E)Government corporations need less government oversight than private companies.

Question 37

According to Figure 16.3,which of the following Departments spends the most money?

A)the Department of Commerce
B)the Department of Homeland Security
C)the Department of Education
D)the Department of Agriculture
E)the Department of Defense

Question 38

How does the president exercise control over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy?

A)by confirming federal appointees
B)by nominating federal appointees
C)by signing executive agreements
D)by creating or abolishing agencies
E)by conducting oversight hearings

Question 39

Members of Congress receive expert advice on policy from what bureaucratic source?

A)the National Labor Relations Board
B)the Government Accountability Office
C)the Federal Register
D)the Federal Communications Commission
E)the Council of Economic Advisers

Question 40

The principal-agent problem can lead bureaucrats to engage in what type of behavior?

A)working against the objectives of the president and Congress
B)relying on norms when it comes to decision making
C)exercising discretion in the implementation of federal laws
D)deferring to the president when the president and Congress disagree
E)deferring to Congress when the president and Congress disagree

Question 41

Why is privatization/outsourcing seen as an attractive option for the delivery of public services?

A)Private companies may deliver services more efficiently.
B)Private companies may deliver services more equitably.
C)Privatization increases government's accountability to the public.
D)Privatization ensures higher employment levels..
E)Privatization primarily benefits U.S.-based companies.

Question 42

Why was the spoils system ultimately abolished?

A)due to growing concerns about a poorly functioning federal bureaucracy
B)due to public pressure to shrink the size of the federal bureaucracy
C)due to a Supreme Court decision ruling the spoils system unconstitutional
D)due to the diversification of federal bureaucracy following the Civil War
E)due to congressional demands for greater control over the federal bureaucracy

Question 43

How are Cabinet secretaries similar to independent agency administrators?

A)Both are appointed by the president.
B)Neither can be fired by the president.
C)Both typically remain in office over multiple presidential administrations.
D)Both are part of federal civil service system.
E)Both can be removed from office by Congress.

Question 44

Under what circumstance is a bureaucratic agency most likely to rely on norms in decision making?

A)when an agency's stated goals are unclear
B)when following the mandates of the Administrative Procedures Act
C)when attempting to resolve legal disputes
D)when an agency is in a period of transition between agency heads
E)when an agency's actions are opposed by the president

Question 45

What factor contributed to the growth of federal bureaucracy during the twentieth century?

A)the passage of the Hatch Act in 1939
B)the elimination of the spoils system at the turn of the century
C)increased demands upon government during the Great Depression
D)the creation of new congressional powers during World War II
E)the creation of new presidential powers during World War II

Question 46

Which of the following statements best describes the president's influence over agency budgets?

A)The president has final say over all department budgets,but has no control of the budgets of independent agencies.
B)The president has final say over the budgets of independent agencies,but has no control of department budgets.
C)The president has sole authority to determine executive administrative budgets.
D)The president has no authority in the budgeting process.
E)The president influences the initial budget proposal,but depends on Congress for appropriations of federal money.

Question 47

What advantage do Cabinet departments have over other organizations in the federal bureaucracy?

A)Cabinet departments may operate independently from the presidency,whereas other agencies do not.
B)Cabinet officers cannot be fired as easily as other bureaucrats.
C)Cabinet departments typically have larger budgets to work with than other organizations.
D)Cabinet departments are more protected from partisan politics than other organizations.
E)Cabinet rule making is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act,whereas other departments are.

Question 48

Which of the following was a consequence of the spoils,or patronage,system?

A)The federal bureaucracy was staffed with people who lacked expertise.
B)There was low turnover in the federal bureaucracy between presidential administrations.
C)Only wealthy people could get jobs in the federal bureaucracy.
D)There was less government corruption.
E)Voter turnout in presidential elections decreased.

Question 49

Which of the following would support a justification for a government corporation?

A)The U.S.Postal Service is more efficient than private companies at delivering the mail.
B)The U.S.Postal Service is less efficient than private companies at delivering the mail.
C)The Tennessee Valley Authority provides energy because it would be difficult for private firms to make a profit supplying energy.
D)Amtrak trains are less efficient than private sector trains.
E)Amtrak trains are more costly than private sector trains.

Question 50

Which of the following is a primary goal of privatization or outsourcing?

A)to provide services that the private sector cannot
B)to spur economic growth
C)to improve the efficiency of public service delivery
D)to expand the size of the federal bureaucracy
E)to strengthen government accountability

Question 51

Under what circumstance are bureaucrats most likely to exercise discretion?

A)when an agency is creating environmental regulations
B)when an agency is under congressional investigation
C)when an agency is implementing a law that contains ambiguity
D)when an agency is elevated to the status of a Cabinet department
E)when an agency is proposing legislation

Question 52

When would Congress be most likely to allow a federal agency significant discretion in rule-making?

A)following a congressional election
B)following a presidential election
C)following the passage of a law dealing with specialist issues
D)following the passage of a law supported by both political parties
E)following the passage of a law supported by the president

Question 53

What is a goal common to both the Pendleton Act and the Hatch Act?

A)reducing the exercise of administrative discretion
B)reducing the influence of partisan politics on the federal bureaucracy.
C)increasing presidential control of the federal bureaucracy
D)increase congressional control of the federal bureaucracy
E)streamlining the policy implementation process

Question 54

Which circumstance creates a challenge to the implementation of federal laws?

A)when Congress passes a law that contains ambiguity
B)when Congress calls agency heads to testify at formal hearings
C)when functions are transferred to the private sector
D)when each chamber of Congress is controlled by a different party
E)when the president belongs to a different party than the majority party in Congress

Question 55

Which of the following statements best reflects the centralized role of the Executive Office of the President (EOP)relative to departments?

A)EOP and department personnel are both loyal to the president,but both lack policy expertise.
B)EOP and department personnel both lack loyalty to the president,but both have policy expertise.
C)EOP personnel are more loyal to the president but possess less policy expertise than department personnel.
D)EOP personnel are less loyal to the president but possess greater policy expertise than department personnel.
E)EOP and department personnel are loyal to the president,and both have policy expertise.

Question 56

How is slack similar to drift?

A)Both are ways that federal bureaucrats deal with red tape.
B)Both are federal responses to the Administrative Procedures Act.
C)Both are problems that have been eliminated through privatization.
D)Both are possible consequences of the principal-agent problem.
E)Both are possible consequences of deregulation.

Question 57

Principal-agent problems,slack,and drift are most associated with which of the following statements?

A)Bureaucrats' interests may not coincide with those of the president or Congress.
B)Bureaucrats often lack discretion when implementing policies.
C)Bureaucrats usually follow the wishes of the president and Congress.
D)Bureaucrats lack the necessary expertise to implement policy.
E)Legislation is usually very specific on how policies should be implemented.

Question 58

What event served as a catalyst for the creation of the Pendleton Act?

A)the growth of the Republican party in the 1880s
B)the expansion of the federal bureaucracy in the 1880s
C)the assassination of James Garfield in 1881
D)the election of Rutherford B.Hayes in 1876
E)the economic depression of the 1890s

Question 59

Which of the following is a drawback of privatization,or outsourcing?

A)The bidding process is too competitive.
B)The bidding process involves too many rules.
C)Privatized services often cost more to deliver.
D)Privatized service delivery is often too slow.
E)Privatization may decrease government accountability.

Question 60

What was the purpose of the Hatch Act?

A)to prohibit federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity
B)to promote transparency in the federal bureaucracy
C)to limit congressional control of the federal bureaucracy
D)to prohibit awarding government jobs based on partisan loyalty
E)to authorize greater use of discretion in bureaucratic decision-making

Question 61

Presidential use of the spoils system lasted through the 1950s.

Question 62

Agencies have very specific goals,eliminating the need for judgments by bureaucrats.

Question 63

Bureaucrats both interpret and implement the law.

Question 64

Under __________,jobs in the federal bureaucracy are awarded on the basis of skills and expertise.

Question 65

Both Congress and the president are involved in appointing individuals to key positions in the federal bureaucracy.

Question 66

Federal agencies are prohibited from engaging in adjudication,or quasi-judicial processes.

Question 67

Bureaucrats often have considerable discretion in the implementation of federal laws.

Question 68

Regulations are usually created by Congress.

Question 69

The federal bureaucracy consists of the departments,agencies,and offices within the __________ that perform the functions of government.

Question 70

The most recently created Cabinet department is the __________.

Question 71

As illustrated in Figure 16.2,the total number of nondefense federal employees has grown since the 1940s.

Question 72

The modern civil service system in the United States is characterized by the spoils system whereby government jobs are awarded based on party loyalty.

Question 73

According to Table 16.2,the Tennessee Valley Authority is a government corporation.

Question 74

Congress is the only government branch with oversight authority over the bureaucracy.

Question 75

The president and Congress share oversight of the federal bureaucracy.

Question 76

Each independent agency in the executive branch is headed by a Cabinet secretary.

Question 77

According to the __________ Act,federal agencies must solicit public comments before issuing new rules and regulations.

Question 78

__________ often holds oversight hearings to investigate the policies and performance of agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy.

Question 79

Independent regulatory commissions differ from independent agencies in that they are less subject to presidential control.

Question 80

The president has sole authority to eliminate federal agencies.