Discretionary and Rulemaking Authority of the Federal Bureaucracy

What is the primary role of the bureaucracy in the federal government?

• To create laws

• To implement federal policy

• To interpret laws

• To elect the president

Which system replaced the patronage system in hiring non-political bureaucrats?

• The electoral system

• The merit system

• The patronage system

• The appointment system

Which of the following is an example of a government corporation?

• The Department of Education

• The Environmental Protection Agency

• Amtrak

• The Securities and Exchange Commission

What is an iron triangle?

• A temporary alliance of interest groups

• A permanent relationship between congressional committees, interest groups, and bureaucratic agencies

• A type of government corporation

• A method of appointing bureaucrats

What is the main purpose of issue networks?

• To create laws

• To influence public policy

• To elect government officials

• To enforce regulations

What authority allows bureaucratic agencies to make regulations that have the power of law?

• Legislative authority

• Judicial authority

• Rulemaking authority

• Executive authority

Why does Congress often write laws in a vague, non-specific way?

• To allow the president to interpret them

• To give agencies the flexibility to fill in the details

• To avoid political backlash

• To ensure quick passage of laws

What is the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

• To regulate the stock market

• To ensure clean air and water

• To manage transportation systems

• To oversee veterans' affairs

What is a criticism of the power held by bureaucratic agencies?

• They are too efficient

• They lack expertise

• They have too much power for unelected officials

• They are too transparent

What is the advantage of having non-political experts make specific regulations?

• It speeds up the legislative process

• It ensures policies are made by experts and removes politics

• It increases political influence

• It reduces the need for congressional oversight