Exploring Bureaucratic Discretion and Rulemaking Authority

The video tutorial explores the role of the bureaucracy within the executive branch, focusing on the civil service and merit system. It categorizes bureaucratic agencies into cabinet departments, independent regulatory commissions, executive agencies, and government corporations. The tutorial explains how these agencies implement federal policy and discusses the concepts of iron triangles and issue networks, which influence policy-making. The video concludes with a brief mention of criticisms regarding the power of unelected bureaucrats.

What system replaced the patronage system in hiring bureaucrats?

• Quota system

• Seniority system

• Random selection

• Merit system

Which department is responsible for overseeing education policies?

• Department of Health

• Department of Defense

• Department of Education

• Department of Commerce

What is the primary function of independent regulatory commissions?

• Creating educational content

• Providing healthcare

• Enforcing laws

• Regulating specific industries

Which agency is known for its role in ensuring clean air and water?

• CIA

• FBI

• EPA

• NSA

What does administrative discretion allow agencies to do?

• Issue executive orders

• Choose how to implement laws

• Dismiss employees

• Amend the constitution

What forms an iron triangle?

• State government, federal government, local government

• President, Vice President, Speaker

• Senate, House, Supreme Court

• Congressional committee, bureaucratic agency, interest group

What is a potential negative impact of iron triangles on democracy?

• Enhance public trust

• Focus on special interests

• Reduce public participation

• Increase transparency

What type of powers do agencies like the EPA have?

• Both quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial

• Quasi-judicial only

• None of the above

• Quasi-legislative only

Who typically writes the detailed regulations for laws passed by Congress?

• State governments

• Bureaucratic agencies

• The Supreme Court

• The President

What is the main criticism of the power held by bureaucratic agencies?

• Lack of power

• Too much transparency

• Excessive power

• Inefficient operations