Understanding the Federal Bureaucracy

The video explores the federal bureaucracy's role in executing government responsibilities, detailing its structure, including cabinet departments, agencies, independent regulatory commissions, and government corporations. It explains how these entities enforce regulations, interact with Congress, and have evolved over time through reforms like the Pendleton Civil Service Act. The video also discusses the concept of iron triangles and issue networks, highlighting the bureaucracy's changing efficiency and professionalization.

What is the primary role of the federal bureaucracy?

• To interpret laws

• To enforce laws

• To amend laws

• To create laws

Which of the following is an example of a cabinet department?

• Federal Communications Commission

• Department of Defense

• U.S. Postal Service

• Environmental Protection Agency

What distinguishes independent regulatory commissions from other bureaucratic entities?

• They are part of the legislative branch

• They operate independently of the president's authority

• They are funded by private businesses

• They are responsible for enforcing international laws

What is a government corporation?

• A government agency that operates like a private business

• A private business owned by the government

• A non-profit organization funded by the government

• A department within the executive branch

What is one of the main functions of bureaucratic organizations?

• To draft new laws

• To write and enforce regulations

• To conduct elections

• To provide legal advice to the president

What is the purpose of issuing fines by bureaucratic organizations?

• To support political campaigns

• To generate revenue for the government

• To punish individuals for criminal activities

• To ensure compliance with regulations

What is an iron triangle?

• A network of international trade agreements

• A coalition of independent regulatory commissions

• A collaboration between bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups

• A relationship between the president, Congress, and the Supreme Court

How do issue networks differ from iron triangles?

• They are temporary alliances focused on specific issues

• They are exclusive to the legislative branch

• They are more permanent and stable

• They involve only government agencies

What was the spoils system?

• A system where government jobs were given to political supporters

• A system where government jobs were given based on merit

• A system where government jobs were auctioned to the highest bidder

• A system where government jobs were inherited

What was the purpose of the Pendleton Civil Service Act?

• To establish a spoils system

• To create a merit-based system for government jobs

• To increase the number of government jobs

• To eliminate the federal bureaucracy