APGOV Armstrong
AP Government and Politics
Chapter 7 Study Guide: The Bureaucracy
As you read the chapter, define the key terms and respond to the critical
thinking questions on your own paper. Keep in mind the learning targets
for this chapter as you work.
Objectives/Learning Targets: Check them off as you feel confident you
can…
 Explain how the bureaucracy carries out the responsibilities of the local
government.
 Explain how the bureaucracy uses delegated discretionary authority for
rulemaking and implementation.
 Explain how Congress uses its oversight power in its relationship with the
Executive branch.
 Explain how the President ensures that executive branch agencies and
departments carry out their responsibilities in concert with the goals of
the administration.
 Explain the extent to which governmental branches can hold the
bureaucracy accountable given the competing interests of Congress, the
president, and the federal courts.
Key terms: Define.
1. Bureaucracy
a. The vast, hierarchical organization of executive branch employees
that take care of the federal government’s business.
2. compliance monitoring
a. Making sure the firms and companies that are subject to industry
regulations are following those standards and provisions.
3. iron triangle
a. The relationship among these three entities—an agency, a
congressional committee, and an interest group
4. issue network
a. Issue networks include committee staffers, academics, advocates,
leaders of think tanks, interest groups, and/ or the media,
collaborate to create specific policy on one issue.
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5. merit system
a. The merit system created competitive, written exams for many job
applicants.
6. Patronage
a. Patronage is the act of rewarding loyal party leaders with federal
jobs. This was a result of the Pendleton Civil Service Act.
7. delegated discretionary authority
a. Delegated discretionary authority is the power to interpret
legislation and create rules for executive departments and agencies.
8. Appropriations
a. Appropriations are funds set aside for a certain purpose.
9. authorization of spending
a. The measures state the maximum amount the agency can spend on
certain programs.
10. congressional oversight
A check and balance on the agencies themselves and compete with the president for
influence over them.
11. power of the purse
a. Congress’ power where it can determine the financial state of an
agency and its success when it allocates money.
12. legislative veto
a. A requirement that certain agency decisions must wait for a defined
period of either 30 or 90 days.
13. Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989
a. Act that protects federal workers who report or disclose evidence of
illegal or improper government action.
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Essay Questions: Respond.
1. Why is the bureaucracy sometimes referred to as the “fourth branch” of
government?
a. The bureaucracy is sometimes called the fourth branch of government
due to its significant role in implementing and enforcing laws,
basically operating alongside the traditional three branches.
2. What is an Independent Executive Agency? Provide two examples.
a. An Independent Executive Agency operates outside the federal
executive departments. Two examples are NASA and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
3. What is a Government Corporation? Provide two examples.
a. A Government Corporation is a government-owned entity that works
like a private company. Examples include the United States Postal
Service (USPS) and Amtrak.
4. Identify and describe the three main tasks of the bureaucracy.
a. The three main tasks of the bureaucracy are implementing laws
passed by Congress, creating and enforcing regulations, and providing
services to the public.
5. Explain iron triangles and issue networks and how they are examples of
pluralist politics.
a. Iron triangles and issue networks are examples of pluralist politics
where interest groups, government agencies, and congressional
committees work together to shape policy. Iron triangles are stable,
while issue networks are fluid and have a wider range of actors.
6. Identify and describe some of the steps taken to move from a patronage
system to a merit system. Be sure to identify key legislation and
organizations involved.
a. Moving from a patronage system to a merit system involved steps like
establishing the Civil Service Commission through the Pendleton Civil
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Service Reform Act of 1883, and the implementing of standardized
testing and hiring practices.
7. What role does the OPM serve?
a. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) oversees human resources
management for the federal government. They handle matters like
hiring, employee benefits, and policy formulation.
8. What is the NPR and how does it work?
a. The National Performance Review (NPR) was created to make the
federal government more efficient and effective through various
reforms and streamlining processes.
9. Identify how each branch can exert some authority over the bureaucracy.
a. Congress can through funding and oversight, the President can
through appointments and executive orders, and the Judiciary can
through legal judgments and interpretations.
10. What is an Independent Regulatory Agency? Provide two examples.
a. An Independent Regulatory Agency is created by Congress to enforce
standards and regulations in a specific area. Examples are the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) and the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC).
11. Describe the relationship between the federal courts and the bureaucracy.
a. The relationship between federal courts and the bureaucracy involves
judicial review, where courts interpret the constitutionality of
bureaucratic actions/regulations.