Understanding Bureaucracy and Organizations

What is the definition of bureaucracy?

• A small, simple administrative structure

• A large, complex administrative structure

• A decentralized, informal network

• A temporary, flexible organization

What is the largest organization in the United States?

• Walmart

• Google

• US federal government

• Microsoft

What are Independent Regulatory Agencies (Commissions)?

• Federal organizations that are independent from three branches of government

• Organizations controlled by the president

• State-run agencies

• Private corporations

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

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

• Department of Education

• Department of Defense

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

What is the role of independent regulatory agencies?

• Operate independently, not under direct control of the president

• Directly report to the president

• Function as part of the legislative branch

• Serve as advisory bodies to Congress

Who creates government corporations?

• The President

• Congress

• The Supreme Court

• State Governors

Why are government corporations set up?

• To increase taxes

• To provide a service not generally trusted to the private sector

• To compete with private businesses

• To reduce government spending

Who runs government corporations?

• The President

• State Governors

• A board of directors and a general manager

• The Supreme Court

What are 3 examples of independent regulatory agencies?

• Federal Reserve, NASA, FBI

• U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak Rail Service, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

• CIA, NSA, FDA

• IRS, EPA, CDC

What are the most important differences between executive agencies and the 15 executive cabinet departments?

• Executive agencies are given Cabinet status.

• Executive agencies are generally larger and more complex.

• Executive agencies have narrower areas of responsibility than cabinet departments.

• Executive agencies are responsible for foreign policy.