Test Yourself About Bureaucracy
Bureaucracies are large administrative agencies reflecting a hierarchical authority, job specialization, and rules and regulations that drive them. Do you have good knowledge of bureaucracies? Take this quiz and test your knowledge on them.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which president lost his life over the issue of patronage in the federal bureaucracy?
- A.
Reagan
- B.
Garfield
- C.
Trump
- D.
Obama
Correct Answer
B. GarfieldExplanation
Garfield is the correct answer because he was assassinated in 1881 by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker who believed he was owed a government job. Garfield's assassination was motivated by the issue of patronage, which refers to the practice of granting government positions to supporters and allies. This event highlighted the need for civil service reform and led to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How many cabinet departments were established at the founding of the nation?
- A.
1
- B.
3
- C.
4
- D.
None
Correct Answer
C. 4Explanation
At the founding of the nation, four cabinet departments were established. This suggests that there were specific departments created to assist the President in carrying out various duties and responsibilities. These departments would have been crucial in helping to establish and govern the new nation, providing expertise and support in areas such as defense, foreign affairs, and finance.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Giving jobs to your friends in government because they supported your election efforts is know as:
- A.
Meritocracy
- B.
Pendleton Act
- C.
Bureaucracy
- D.
Patronage
Correct Answer
D. PatronageExplanation
Patronage refers to the practice of giving jobs or favors to friends or supporters in exchange for their political loyalty or support. This practice is often associated with political appointments in government positions. In this scenario, giving jobs to friends in government because they supported your election efforts aligns with the concept of patronage.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the Constitutional protection against unfair government laws called?
- A.
Due Process
- B.
Judicial Review
- C.
Checks and Balances
- D.
Probable Cause
Correct Answer
A. Due ProcessExplanation
Due process is the constitutional protection against unfair government laws. It ensures that individuals are treated fairly and have their rights protected by the legal system. This includes the right to a fair trial, the right to be heard, and the right to equal protection under the law. Due process is a fundamental principle of the legal system that aims to prevent arbitrary or unjust actions by the government. It is a crucial aspect of democracy and the rule of law.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is a judicial review?
- A.
Judges serve for a term of "good behavior" (life)
- B.
Higher courts can hear the cases of lower courts
- C.
The president can remove federal judges from the bench
- D.
The ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional
Correct Answer
D. The ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutionalExplanation
Judicial review refers to the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. This means that the court has the authority to review and invalidate laws that are found to be in violation of the Constitution. This power is essential for the court to act as a check on the legislative and executive branches, ensuring that laws adhere to the principles and rights outlined in the Constitution. It allows the court to protect individual rights and maintain the balance of power within the government.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What type of law settles disagreements between two parties?
- A.
Common Law
- B.
Civil Law
- C.
Compensatory Law
- D.
Criminal Law
Correct Answer
B. Civil LawExplanation
Civil law is a type of law that settles disagreements between two parties. It is a branch of law that deals with private rights and remedies, focusing on resolving disputes between individuals or organizations. Civil law encompasses a wide range of legal issues, such as contracts, property disputes, family law matters, and personal injury cases. It aims to provide a fair resolution and compensation for the injured party, rather than punishing the wrongdoer as in criminal law.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who was the first African-American appointed to the Supreme Court?
- A.
Sandra Day O'Connor
- B.
John Roberts Jr.
- C.
Thurgood Marshall
- D.
John Marshall
Correct Answer
C. Thurgood MarshallExplanation
Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American appointed to the Supreme Court. He was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967 and served on the court for 24 years. Marshall was known for his advocacy for civil rights and played a significant role in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which ended racial segregation in public schools. His appointment to the Supreme Court was a historic milestone in the fight for racial equality in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The bureaucracy is mostly made up of...
- A.
Special interests
- B.
Civil servants
- C.
Wasteful spending
- D.
Political appointees
Correct Answer
B. Civil servantsExplanation
The correct answer is civil servants. Bureaucracy is typically composed of civil servants who are government employees responsible for implementing and administering government policies and programs. They are hired based on merit and expertise rather than political affiliations or personal interests. While special interests, wasteful spending, and political appointees may have some influence within the bureaucracy, civil servants are the main component of the bureaucratic system. They are expected to be impartial and work in the best interest of the public.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following has oversight and can check and balance the bureaucracy?
- A.
Judicial branch
- B.
Legislative branch
- C.
Executive branch
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the above have oversight and can check and balance the bureaucracy. The judicial branch can review the actions of the bureaucracy to ensure they are lawful and constitutional. The legislative branch can pass laws that regulate the bureaucracy and hold it accountable through hearings and investigations. The executive branch, through the president or governor, can appoint and remove bureaucrats, set policy priorities, and provide overall direction and oversight. Therefore, all three branches of government have the power to oversee and check the bureaucracy.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Post Office provides services for the American people and tries to sustain their existence by raising their profits. This type of bureaucratic organization is best described as:
- A.
Government corporation
- B.
Independent commission
- C.
Regulatory agency
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Government corporationExplanation
A government corporation is the best description for the given scenario. The Post Office, as a government corporation, provides services to the American people and aims to sustain its existence by generating profits. Unlike an independent commission or regulatory agency, which have different functions and objectives, a government corporation operates with a profit motive while still being under government control and oversight. Therefore, the correct answer is government corporation.Rate this question:
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