6.1 Bureaucracy

What is one way that Article II of the Constitution has contributed to the creation of the federal bureaucracy?

• It gives the President the power to consult with the heads of the executive departments.

• It mandates the creation of 15 Cabinet departments.

• It is completely silent on the organization of the executive branch.

• It stipulates that all three branches of the government be set up as bureaucracies.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides funding for science and engineering endeavors in the United States. For example, the NSF provides equipment, such as telescopes, to institutions where scientists are studying astronomy. What kind of agency is it?

• administrative agency

• commission agency

• line agency

• staff agency

Line agencies

• support the work of the President and other administrators.

• perform the work for which the agencies exist.

• act in an advisory role to the executive branch.

• assist in the management of the executive branch.

Explain an Argument The reason the legislative branch is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate is to check the power of

• the judiciary.

• the president.

• the executive branch.

• the legislative branch.

Which of the following is considered part of the federal bureaucracy?

• a corporate bank

• the U.S. Postal Service

• a teachers' union

• the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles

One reason your school can be considered a bureaucracy is because

• teachers teach subjects in their area of expertise.

• students often vote on school issues through the student council.

• it receives funds from the Federal Government.

• it offers a variety of sports and clubs for its students.

Which of the following parts of the executive branch BEST reflects job specialization?

• the Vice President

• the President

• the executive departments

• the Executive Office of the President

Some people argue that bureaucracies are undemocratic because

• bureaucrats are appointed by the government rather than elected by the people.

• bureaucrats often have viewpoints that are different from those of the general public.

• bureaucracies are not mentioned in the Constitution.

• bureaucracies lack stability because their staffs change every election year.

Which of the following statements BEST illustrates the function of a staff agency?

• The Veterans Health Administration provides medical care to military veterans.

• The Federal Bureau of Investigations carries out law enforcement and investigations.

• The Office of Management and Budget assists the President in preparing the budget.

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is responsible for pioneering the future in space exploration.