Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Congress exercises control over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy by confirming appointees to key positions in federal agencies. Confirmation hearings provide an opportunity for members of Congress to ask questions and raise concerns about the nominee's qualifications, ideology, and potential conflicts of interest. Congress can also use its power of the purse by appropriating funds for agencies and programs and conducting oversight hearings to ensure that agencies are carrying out their legislative mandates effectively and efficiently.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) of 1946 is a federal law that outlines the procedures that federal agencies must follow when issuing rules and regulations. It sets out requirements for public participation, notice, comment, and judicial review. The APA covers a wide range of federal agency actions, including rulemaking, adjudication, and the issuance of policy statements or guidance.

Question 3

The central clearance system serves what purpose?

Accepted Answer

The central clearance system is designed to ensure that the actions of various agencies and departments within the executive branch are consistent with the president's goals and policies. This involves reviewing and approving all proposed actions, regulations, and policies that could potentially conflict with the president's agenda.

Question 4

The second-largest and fastest-rising source of federal revenue comes from __________ taxes.

Accepted Answer

Payroll taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes, are the second-largest and fastest-rising source of federal revenue, according to data from the Congressional Budget Office. These taxes are paid by employees and employers and are used to fund social programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Question 5

The __________ is a form of organization that delivers goods and services at the lowest cost through specialization of jobs,close supervision of employees,and uniform regulations and procedures.

Accepted Answer

The characteristics listed (specialization of jobs, close supervision of employees, uniform regulations and procedures) are all hallmarks of a bureaucratic organization. Options A, C, and D do not specifically refer to these characteristics in the given context.

Question 6

On the issue of global warming,the president has decided not to pursue a national-level policy,but rather to instruct the Environmental Protection Agency to study the issue.The knowledge produced by the EPA is an example of __________.

Accepted Answer

The knowledge produced by the EPA as directed by the president is an example of a symbolic benefit of public policy, as it represents an action taken to address an issue without directly resulting in material changes or solutions.

Question 7

What type of groups has been created because of Ralph Nader's citizen's movement?

Accepted Answer

Ralph Nader's citizen's movement led to the creation of Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), which are organizations that advocate for consumer protection, environmentalism, and government accountability.

Question 8

The process of making public policy is best described as __________.

Accepted Answer

The process of making public policy is often influenced by various political, social, and economic factors, making it unpredictable. It involves multiple steps, including problem identification, agenda setting, policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. These steps are often complex and involve negotiations, compromises, and political maneuvering, making it a complex and unpredictable process.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The spoils system, also known as the patronage system, awarded jobs in the federal bureaucracy to individuals who helped candidates win elections. This was a system of political rewards for supporting a particular candidate or party, and it often resulted in unqualified people being appointed to important positions.

Question 10

Presidential appointees in the federal bureaucracy __________.

Accepted Answer

Presidential appointees in the federal bureaucracy generally leave their post at the end of the president's term in office, as new administrations often bring in their own appointees to align with their policy goals and priorities.

Question 11

The discretionary budget includes spending for __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The discretionary budget includes spending for __________.
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Question 12

On what basis are people hired to be part of the Senior Executive Service?

Accepted Answer

The Senior Executive Service (SES) hires individuals based on their leadership and management skills. The SES is a group of high-level government managers and policy-makers who are not part of the traditional civil service system. They are hired based on demonstrated ability to lead and manage programs and departments, rather than on their political affiliation or length of service. Therefore, the best choice is option D, which is "their leadership and management skills."

Question 13

The __________ is the independent regulatory agency that sets interest rates on Treasury notes.

Accepted Answer

The Federal Reserve Board is responsible for setting interest rates on Treasury notes, among other monetary policy actions, as part of their mandate to promote price stability and full employment. The other agencies listed have different areas of regulatory focus, such as mortgage financing (Federal National Mortgage Association), consumer protection (Federal Trade Commission), and securities market oversight (Securities and Exchange Commission).

Question 14

What are the four broad types of departments and agencies for which federal employees work?

Accepted Answer

The four broad types of departments and agencies for which federal employees work are departments (such as the Department of Defense), independent stand-alone agencies (such as the Environmental Protection Agency), independent regulatory commissions (such as the Federal Reserve Board), and government corporations (such as the United States Postal Service). Choice D correctly lists these four types of departments and agencies.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The Treasury Department was one of the original executive branch departments established in 1789, shortly after the U.S. Constitution was ratified. Other departments, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, were created later.

Question 16

__________ are rules created by government agencies that determine how laws are implemented.

Accepted Answer

Regulations are rules or directives created by government agencies that are authorized by law to determine how laws passed by Congress are implemented. Policies are more general statements of intent or goals, while standards are specific criteria or benchmarks used to measure performance or compliance. Statutes are laws passed by legislative bodies, such as Congress, and may be the basis for creating regulations.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

A department is the largest organizational unit in the federal bureaucracy, such as the Department of Defense or the Department of Health and Human Services. Agencies, bureaus, and corporations are typically smaller subdivisions within a department or independent agencies outside of departments.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The Department of Defense is a clear example of a bureaucratic organization, as it is a large government agency that operates according to a hierarchy of officials and procedures. The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Supreme Court are part of the government, but they are not bureaucratic organizations. The Democratic Party is a political party, not a bureaucratic organization.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from running for elected office while employed by the federal government. This is to ensure that federal employees are not using their government position to gain an advantage in an election or to partisan activities.

Question 20

Senior officers of government are appointed by __________ and confirmed by __________.

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Constitution, the president of the United States has the power to appoint senior officers of government, subject to confirmation by the Senate. This is outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) the president appoints senior officers of government and they are confirmed by the Senate.

Quiz 12: The Federal Bureaucracy and the Public Policy Process