2.12 and 2.13 Practice MCQs

Which of the following explains how the bureaucracy can address a problem shown in the infographic?

• The Department of Transportation can write stronger regulations on freight volume.

• The president can negotiate a treaty that would allow for increased imports of oil.

• The House Committee on Energy and Commerce can hold a hearing on the cost of fuel.

• The Supreme Court can overturn laws that regulate fuel economy.

Answer explanation

The Department of Transportation can address the issue by implementing stronger regulations on freight volume, which directly impacts transportation efficiency and fuel consumption, thus tackling the problem highlighted in the infographic.

Which of the following possible actions illustrates a way Congress interacts with the bureaucracy to address the problem shown in the infographic?

• Congress could request that an iron triangle be formed to ensure that all bureaucratic solutions are heard prior to taking action.

• Congress could remove the members of the cabinet who work on issues related to transportation.

• Congress could have members of the Department of Transportation testify before a committee to discuss the issue and potential solutions.

Answer explanation

The correct choice illustrates Congress engaging directly with the bureaucracy by having Department of Transportation members testify, allowing for discussion of the issue and potential solutions.

An advantage that bureaucrats in federal government have over the President in the policymaking process is that bureaucrats

• control the budgetary process

• have an independence from the President that is guaranteed by the Constitution

• find it easier to marshall public support than does the President

• usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks

• have better access to the media than does the President

Answer explanation

Bureaucrats usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks, allowing them to maintain expertise and stability in policymaking, unlike the President who serves fixed terms.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will spend money appropriated by Congress to maintain wildlife refuges. This action is an example of

• the power of the filibuster

• congressional oversight of the bureaucracy

• bureaucratic implementation of law

• an unfunded mandate

• an independent expenditure

Answer explanation

This action exemplifies bureaucratic implementation of law, as the Fish and Wildlife Service uses congressional appropriations to execute policies related to wildlife refuge maintenance.

When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and adjudicate disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constitutional concept of

• equal protection of the laws

• due process of law

• federal supremacy

• separation of powers

• federalism

Answer explanation

When independent regulatory agencies create rules, enforce them, and resolve disputes, they may overstep their authority, infringing on the separation of powers by encroaching on legislative and judicial functions.

Lobbyists from the Airlines for America, an advocacy group that represents commercial airlines, work with members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and officials from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to discuss a new policy that addresses issues of airline safety. This scenario best illustrates

• a political action committee

• an iron triangle

• a social movement

• an independent expenditure

Answer explanation

This scenario illustrates an iron triangle, as it involves the interaction between a special interest group (Airlines for America), a congressional committee (House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure), and a government agency (FAA) to influence policy.

In the process and structure of public policymaking, “iron triangles” refer to the

• bargaining and negotiating process between the President and Congress about the direction of domestic policy

• dominance of corporate power in setting the national policy agenda for economic expansion

• interrelationship among federal, state, and local levels of government in the policy process

• networks of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that strongly influence the policy process

• group of presidential advisers who formulate the President’s foreign policy agenda

Answer explanation

In public policymaking, "iron triangles" describe the strong relationships between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that work together to influence policy outcomes.

A policy that sets emission standards for automobiles is an example of

• regulatory policy

• judicial policy

• fiscal policy

• distributive policy

• monetary policy

Answer explanation

A policy that sets emission standards for automobiles is an example of regulatory policy, as it involves government regulations aimed at controlling pollution and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

Which of the following statements best relates to the information shown in the infographic?

• Despite many attempts at reform, some members of the federal bureaucracy are still hired through political patronage.

• Like most businesses, the federal government has to seek out well-qualified and diverse job candidates.

• Specialized skills, such as a background in STEM, are less important than a degree in political science for most jobs in the bureaucracy.

• Most members of the federal bureaucracy work near Washington, D.C., or in state capitals.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that, similar to businesses, the federal government actively seeks qualified and diverse candidates, reflecting a modern approach to hiring in the bureaucracy.

Which of the following is the best predictor of the Department of Education’s annual budget?

• The preferences of the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee

• The budget recommendations of the National Education Association

• The rate of increase of teachers’ salaries

• The number of children entering kindergarten

• The size of the previous year’s budget

Answer explanation

The size of the previous year's budget is the best predictor as budgets often follow historical trends, making it a reliable indicator for future allocations.