This Is Quiz #3 On Bureaucracy

1.

Which of the following statements best describes the federal civilian work force?

A.

Political factors play no role in making civil service appointments.
B.

Employees must pass competitive examinations for promotion.
C.

Half of the employees in the Executive branch are appointed by the president.
D.

Federal employees face no limitations on their participation in the political process.
E.

Once hired, a federal employee can never lose his/her job.

Correct Answer
B. Employees must pass competitive examinations for promotion.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Employees must pass competitive examinations for promotion." This statement accurately describes the federal civilian work force. In order to be promoted within the federal government, employees are required to go through a competitive examination process. This ensures that promotions are based on merit and qualifications rather than political factors or favoritism.

Rate this question:

2.

The growth of the federal bureaucracy can be attributed to all of the following EXCEPT:

A.

The need to regulate business
B.

Responsibility of the government for the welfare of the people.
C.

Administrators who push for larger budgets and staff.
D.

Supreme Court decisions on federal-state relations.
E.

The creation of new agencies to give policy issues a high profile.

Correct Answer
D. Supreme Court decisions on federal-state relations.

Explanation
The growth of the federal bureaucracy can be attributed to several factors. One reason is the need to regulate business, as the government plays a role in ensuring fair practices and protecting consumers. Additionally, the responsibility of the government for the welfare of the people necessitates the establishment of various agencies and departments. Administrators who advocate for larger budgets and staff also contribute to the expansion of the bureaucracy. Furthermore, the creation of new agencies to address policy issues and give them prominence further adds to its growth. However, Supreme Court decisions on federal-state relations do not directly impact the size or growth of the federal bureaucracy.

Rate this question:

3.

An important difference between an independent executive agency and an independent regulatory agency is that

A.

Executive agencies are funded through executive departments.
B.

The head of an executive agency holds cabinet rank.
C.

Presidential appointments to a regulatory agency serve for a fixed term.
D.

Executive agencies do no engage in rule making.
E.

Actions by regulatory agencies must be approved by Congress.

Correct Answer
C. Presidential appointments to a regulatory agency serve for a fixed term.

Explanation
The correct answer is that presidential appointments to a regulatory agency serve for a fixed term. This means that once appointed, the individuals serving in regulatory agencies have a specified period of time in their position and cannot be easily removed by the president. This serves to ensure the independence of regulatory agencies from political influence and allows them to make decisions based on their expertise and the best interests of the public, rather than being subject to frequent changes in leadership.

Rate this question:

4.

An iron triangle refers to the close relationship between

A.

The White House press corps, the press secretary, major networks.
B.

Congressional committees, interest groups, federal agencies.
C.

The national security advisor, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State.
D.

Congressional campaign committees, PACs, party national committees.
E.

Defense contractors, Department of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Correct Answer
B. Congressional committees, interest groups, federal agencies.

Explanation
The term "iron triangle" refers to a close relationship between three entities: congressional committees, interest groups, and federal agencies. This relationship is characterized by mutual benefits and influence. Congressional committees have the power to shape legislation, interest groups lobby and advocate for their specific interests, and federal agencies implement and enforce policies. Together, these three entities often work together to influence and shape public policy in their favor.

Rate this question:

5.

A common criticism of the federal bureaucracy is that

A.

Too many civil servants are political appointees.
B.

There are no controls over federal agencies.
C.

The public is unaware of how federal agencies make decisions.
D.

Overlapping jurisdiction contribute to wasteful spending.
E.

It is constantly growing in responsibilities and labor force.

Correct Answer
D. Overlapping jurisdiction contribute to wasteful spending.

Explanation
The correct answer is that overlapping jurisdiction contributes to wasteful spending. This means that multiple federal agencies have similar responsibilities and authority, leading to duplication of efforts and resources. This redundancy can result in inefficiencies and unnecessary expenditures, ultimately wasting taxpayer money. By streamlining and clarifying jurisdictional boundaries, the federal bureaucracy can reduce wasteful spending and operate more efficiently.

Rate this question:

6.

Which of the following is NOT a government corporation?

A.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting
B.

Tennessee Valley Authority
C.

Amtrack
D.

U.S. Postal Service
E.

National Endowment for the Arts

Correct Answer
E. National Endowment for the Arts

Explanation
The National Endowment for the Arts is not a government corporation. While the other options listed are all government corporations, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent agency of the federal government. It is responsible for funding and supporting artistic and cultural endeavors in the United States.

Rate this question:

7.

Critics of government regulation of business argue that I. regulation leads to higher prices for consumers.II. regulation adds to corporate profits.III. regulation ultimately harms the environment.IV. regulation makes the United States less competitive in world markets.

A.

I only
B.

I and II only
C.

II and III only
D.

I and IV only
E.

I, II, and IV only

Correct Answer
D. I and IV only

Explanation
The critics of government regulation of business argue that regulation leads to higher prices for consumers because regulations often impose additional costs on businesses, which are then passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. They also argue that regulation makes the United States less competitive in world markets because it can place burdensome restrictions on businesses, making it harder for them to compete with businesses in countries with less regulation.

Rate this question:

8.

With regard to the federal bureaucracy, recent presidents have tried to

A.

Reduce the size of the work force and reorganize the structure.
B.

Increase spending for all federal agencies.
C.

Get Congress to approve additional staffing levels for executive departments.
D.

Eliminate the Department of Labor
E.

Limit congressional oversight of independent regulatory agencies

Correct Answer
A. Reduce the size of the work force and reorganize the structure.

Explanation
Recent presidents have attempted to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy's workforce and reorganize its structure. This is evident from the statement that they have tried to reduce the size of the work force and reorganize the structure. This suggests that they have made efforts to streamline and make the bureaucracy more efficient by reducing the number of employees and restructuring its organization.

Rate this question:

9.

All of the following are included in the standard definition of bureaucracy EXCEPT:

A.

Hierarchical organization
B.

Standard operating procedures
C.

Patronage
D.

Specialized tasks
E.

Formal rules

Correct Answer
C. Patronage

Explanation
The correct answer is patronage. Patronage refers to the practice of giving jobs or favors to friends and supporters, often without regard for qualifications or merit. While hierarchical organization, standard operating procedures, specialized tasks, and formal rules are all key components of bureaucracy, patronage goes against the principles of meritocracy and fair competition that are typically associated with bureaucratic systems.

Rate this question:

10.

The means Congress has at its disposal to control the bureaucracy include all of the following EXCEPT:

A.

Issue networks
B.

Power of the purse
C.

Confirmation presidential appointments
D.

Agency/program authorization
E.

Oversight hearings

Correct Answer
A. Issue networks

Explanation
Issue networks are not a means Congress has at its disposal to control the bureaucracy. Issue networks refer to alliances of various interest groups, policy experts, and lawmakers who work together to promote a specific issue or policy agenda. While issue networks can influence the policymaking process, they do not directly control the bureaucracy. The other options listed, such as the power of the purse, confirmation of presidential appointments, agency/program authorization, and oversight hearings, are all means through which Congress can exercise control over the bureaucracy.

Rate this question:

1

0