Chapter 7 United States Government Review

How does the President have influence over Federal Bureaucracy?

• He or she appoints the administrators of executive agencies

• He or she can eliminate or redesign executive departments to fit his or her agenda

How did Congress limit the Presidential Spoils System?

• Congress passed civil service reform to require qualified candidates

• Congress has Constitutional oversight of all executive departments

How does Congress have checks and balances power over executive departments?

• The Senate has advice and consent power for the President's executive department nominees

• Congress has the Constitutional right to refuse the allocation of funds for ineffective executive departments.

How does Congress have power over independent executive agencies?

• Congress establishes these agencies and has oversight over their operations

• Congress has the right to eliminate executive departments if they engage in illegal behavior.

How are executive independent regulatory commissions like the SEC and FCC limited?

• They must have a bipartisan board of directors.

• They only report information to the President and Congress.

How did the 16th Amendment change the US government's power?

• Congress has the power to levy an income tax.

• Senators are now directly elected by the people.

Why is the income tax important to the federal budget?

• It accounts for nearly half the revenue generated by the government.

• It requires every working American a financial stake in government policy.

How do federally required payroll taxes contribute to the US government?

• Although a regressive tax, it pays for Social Security and Medicare.

• Despite being a progressive tax, it encourages unemployment.

What is the purpose of a federal bond?

• to borrow money to cover government spending

• to take money out of circulation to prevent inflation

What is federal debt?

• The amount of money the federal government has borrowed but not yet repaid.

• The amount of money the government needs to cover mandatory spending.