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AP Chapter 15: Bureaucracy Flashcards

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6597510499Bureaucracy-a hierarchical authority structure that uses task specialization, operates on the merit principle, and behaves with impersonality so bureaucrats are treated impartially -the classic conception was advanced by Max Weber -importance: central authority makes the bureaucracy effective in organizing specialized officials, who play an important role in policy making (Claire and Wengel)0
6597510500PatronageA hiring and promotion system based on political reasons rather than merit or competence alone - one of the key inducements used by political machines - important because it can disturb productivity and efficiency because they are not educated in specific areas (Wengel & Claire)1
6597510501Hatch ActPassed in 1939 and recently revised in 1993. This law prohibits government employees while on duty to participate in partisan politics. However people with sensitive government positions can not participate at all in partisan politics. ~ Melissa & Kayla2
6597510502Government CorporationProvide services that could be provided by a private company but are cheaper than most private companies. ~Vicky and Molly K.3
6597510504Standard Operating ProceduresUsed by bureaucrats to bring uniformity to a complex organization. Improves fairness and makes personnel interchange. -Vicky and Molly Kramer4
6597510505Office of Personal ManagementGroup of people who are in charge of hiring, promoting and firing for most of the federal agencies. Director is appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate. (Kayla and Melissa)5
6597510507Policy ImplementationStage of policy making in between establishing policy and consequences of policy for who is affected. Meant for translating goals/objectives of policy into a current program. -Vicky and Molly Kramer6
6597510508Independant Executive Agencypart of the government that isn't accounted for in the cabinets. Administrators are typically appointed by the president and serve at the president's pleasure. -Vicky and Molly Kramer7
6597510509Senior Executive ServiceThese people in the government makes the most amount of money. They tend to move around to different leadership positions. They were established by the civil service reform act of 1978. ~ Melissa & Kayla8
6597510510HierarchyAny system of persons or things ranked one above another (Stephanie and Kenia)9
6597510511Spoils SystemAnother word for political patronage which is when political leaders give government jobs to their supporters. (Stephanie and Kenia)10
6597510514Independent Regulatory AgencyResponsible for making and enforcing economic rules designed to protect public interest. Judge if rules should be disputed (Kayla and Melissa)11
6597510515WhistleblowingWhen a worker reports suspected wrongdoing at work, such as illegal or unethical actions. Famous whistle-blower is Edward Snowden, who leaked classified documents from the NSA Hello!12
6597510517Executive OrdersRegulations created by executive branch. One way the Presidency can control the bureaucracy. They carry the force of law and can be used to implement statutes, treaties, and constitutional provisions Hello!13
6597510519Iron Triangles.Regulations created by executive branch. One way the Presidency can control the bureaucracy. They carry the force of law and can be used to implement statutes, treaties, and constitutional provisions. Hello!14
6597510521SpecializationThe expertise of a member of congress on a specific issue or area of policy. This is more common in the House than the Senate, where members tend to be policy generalists. (Stephanie and Kenia)15
6597510522Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883-passed in 1883, this Act created a federal civil service so that hiring and promotion would be based on merit rather than patronage or political affiliation -importance: established the United States Civil Service Commission, which was designed to select government employees on entrance exams rather than relationships (Claire and Wengel)16
6597510523Merit PrincipleThe idea that hiring should not be based on entrance exams and promotion ratings to produce administration by people with talent and skill. It brings employees who are skilled at a special task to gov. not just people who are there because of political reasons. (Wengel & Claire)17
6597510524civil service-a system of hiring and promotion based on the merit principle and the desire to create an unbaised government service -importance: hires civil servants who run the government and do the day-to-day government jobs as qualified, merit-based workers (Claire and Wengel)18
6597510527RegulationThe use of governmental authority (through laws, agencies, orders, mandates, etc.) to control or change some practice in the private sector. Regulations pervade (spread throughout_ the daily lives of people and institutions. - Regulatory agencies are departments commissioned by the federal government to exercise responsibility for legislation in some area of human activity. Example: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) administers federal food purity laws, drug testing and safety, and cosmetics. (p.490) (Alec & Matteo)19
6597510528Street-level BureaucratsA phrase coined by Micheal Lipsky referring to bureaucrats who are in constant contact with the public and have considerable administrative discretion (the ability to make decisions by themselves, usually when bureaucratic rules do not provide a clear answer to a specific situation (police officers, welfare workers, lower court judges) Example: The highway patrol officer who stops you can choose to issue you a warning or a ticket. (p.486 & 487) (Alec & Matteo)20
6597510529DeregulationThe lifting of government restrictions on business, industry, and professional activities. Politicians use deregulation because many people find that regulatory systems raise prices, and do not work efficiently. - Deregulation is often used to spur innovation by increasing competition in the private sector. Example: The Civil Aeronautics Board tightly airline safety. This forces corporations to spend vast sums on potentially excessive security measures. However, it also helps to guarantee safe travel to passengers. (Alec & Matteo)21
6597510530Incentive SystemThe regulatory policy described by Charles Shultze in which the government motivates employees using rewards if for completed tasks. (Alec & Matteo)22
6597576965Discretionary authoritythe power for executive branch agencies to make specific policies that implement a law passed by Congress23

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