What Do You Know About Federal Bureaucracy?

Bureaucracy refers to the people and organizations who carry out the actions of the government. This includes the administrative officials, government agencies, and departments that implement and enforce laws and regulations. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of government policies. Bureaucracy plays a crucial role in the functioning of the government and ensures the smooth execution of laws and policies.

The spoils system refers to the practice of giving government jobs to individuals who are political supporters or friends of those in power. This system originated in the United States and was commonly used in the 19th century. It allowed elected officials to reward their loyal supporters with government positions, regardless of their qualifications or abilities. This practice was criticized for promoting corruption and favoritism, leading to the eventual establishment of civil service exams to ensure that government positions were filled based on merit rather than political connections.

The United States Postal Service is classified as a government corporation. This means that while it is owned by the government, it operates as a business entity and is expected to generate its own revenue. As a government corporation, it has a degree of independence and operates with a level of autonomy, but it is still subject to government oversight and regulation.

Deregulation refers to a policy that promotes cutbacks in the amount of Federal regulation in specific areas of economic activity. This means that the government reduces or eliminates regulations and restrictions on businesses and industries, allowing them more freedom and flexibility in their operations. Deregulation is often implemented to stimulate economic growth, encourage competition, and reduce government intervention in the marketplace.

The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was the first independent regulatory commission. It was established in 1887 and was responsible for regulating the railroad industry in the United States. The ICC was created in response to public concerns over unfair practices and excessive rates charged by railroads. Its main goal was to ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices in the industry. The ICC played a crucial role in shaping the regulation of transportation and served as a model for future regulatory agencies.

The correct answer is 1939. The Hatch Act was passed in 1939 to prohibit federal employees from engaging in certain political activities. The act aimed to ensure that federal employees remain politically neutral and not use their positions for partisan purposes. It established guidelines and restrictions on political activities such as campaigning, fundraising, and running for office. The Hatch Act has been amended several times since its enactment to adapt to changing political and social contexts.

A bureaucracy is a large and complex organization of non-elected officials. Bureaucracies are typically found in government agencies and large corporations, and they are responsible for implementing and enforcing rules and regulations. They often have a hierarchical structure and operate based on standardized procedures. Bureaucracies are known for their efficiency and specialization, but they can also be criticized for being slow and inflexible.

The Department of Homeland Security was established in 2003. This was done in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. The department was created to coordinate and consolidate various agencies and departments responsible for protecting the country from threats, both domestic and international. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation's borders, responding to natural disasters, and combating terrorism.

President Carter is the correct answer because he was the one who persuaded Congress to create the Senior Executive Service. During his presidency, Carter advocated for the establishment of the Senior Executive Service as a way to reform the federal civil service system. The Senior Executive Service was created in 1978 and aimed to attract and retain top talent in the federal government by providing increased flexibility and opportunities for career advancement.

Bureaucracy is not the correct answer for this question. The correct answer is meritocracy. Meritocracy is a system where individuals are selected and promoted based on their abilities and achievements. In a meritocratic system, talented individuals are given opportunities to advance and succeed based on their skills and qualifications, rather than factors such as social status or personal connections. Bureaucracy, on the other hand, refers to a system of government or organization characterized by complex procedures, hierarchical structure, and adherence to rules and regulations.