Chapter 15 Key Terms: The Bureaucracy

Front

A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials.

Back

Bureaucracy

Front

A system where government programs are administered by other organizations, such as private companies or non-profit organizations, on behalf of the government.

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Government by Proxy

Front

An economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce.

Back

Laissez-Faire

Front

The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies that are not spelled out in advance by laws.

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Discretionary Authority

Front

A part of the United States federal government civil service in which employees are selected based on merit as determined by a competitive process.

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Competitive Service

Front

A job that is filled by a person whom an agency has already identified by name.

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Name-Request Job

Front

A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group that often becomes a mutually advantageous alliance.

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Iron Triangle

Front

A network of people in Washington, D.C.–based interest groups, on congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media, who regularly discuss and advocate public policies.

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Issue Network

Front

Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency.

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Authorization Legislation

Front

A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency.

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Appropriation