AP Review Quiz Chapter 13
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The definition of bureaucracy includes all of the following notions EXCEPT
- A.
A large organization.
- B.
Authority divided among several managers.
- C.
Complexity of structure.
- D.
Appointed officials.
- E.
An issue network.
Correct Answer
E. An issue network.Explanation
The correct answer is "an issue network." The definition of bureaucracy includes a large organization, authority divided among several managers, complexity of structure, and appointed officials. However, an issue network is not a part of the definition of bureaucracy. An issue network refers to a group of individuals and organizations that come together to address a specific policy issue, but it is not a characteristic of bureaucracy itself.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Social Security is an example of a trust fund
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Social Security is indeed an example of a trust fund. A trust fund is a financial arrangement where funds are held and managed by a trustee for the benefit of a specific purpose or individual. In the case of Social Security, the funds collected through payroll taxes are held in a trust fund and used to provide benefits to retired, disabled, and surviving individuals. The purpose of the trust fund is to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to meet the ongoing and future obligations of the Social Security program. Therefore, the statement "Social Security is an example of a trust fund" is true.Rate this question:
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- 3.
One complication surrounding the federal bureaucracy is the fact that the Constitution
- A.
Gave the president sole power to make appointments.
- B.
Gave Congress sole power to make appointments.
- C.
Restricted administrative appointments to election years.
- D.
Does not mention departments or bureaus.
- E.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
D. Does not mention departments or bureaus.Explanation
The correct answer is "does not mention departments or bureaus." This is because the Constitution does not specifically mention the creation or establishment of departments or bureaus within the federal bureaucracy. The Constitution grants certain powers to the president and Congress, but it does not explicitly outline the structure or organization of the bureaucracy. This lack of mention in the Constitution has led to debates and complications regarding the authority and accountability of the federal bureaucracy.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The authorization and appropriation of funds for an agency's budget are made by the president.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The explanation for the answer "False" is that the authorization and appropriation of funds for an agency's budget are not made by the president. In the United States, the power of the purse lies with the Congress, specifically the House of Representatives and the Senate. They have the authority to pass laws that allocate funds to different agencies and programs. The president does play a role in the budget process by submitting a budget proposal to Congress, but the final decision on funding rests with the legislative branch.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In the early days of the federal government, the only department that had much power was the
- A.
Department of the Interior.
- B.
War Department.
- C.
Post Office Department.
- D.
State Department.
- E.
Treasury Department.
Correct Answer
E. Treasury Department.Explanation
In the early days of the federal government, the Treasury Department had much power because it was responsible for managing the country's finances and collecting taxes. It played a crucial role in shaping economic policies and ensuring the stability of the nation's financial system. The Treasury Department was also involved in issuing currency, regulating banks, and managing the national debt. Its significant responsibilities and influence made it the department with the most power during that time.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The federal government did not begin to regulate the economy in any large way until
- A.
Passage of the 14th Amendment.
- B.
The creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
- C.
The laissez-faire doctrine was held by a majority of the Senate.
- D.
The commerce clause was amended.
- E.
The Department of Labor was created.
Correct Answer
B. The creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).Explanation
The correct answer is the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). This is because the ICC was the first independent regulatory agency created by the federal government, established in 1887. It was responsible for regulating and overseeing the railroad industry, which was a major part of the economy at the time. This marked the beginning of the federal government's involvement in regulating the economy on a larger scale. The other options mentioned, such as the passage of the 14th Amendment or the creation of the Department of Labor, were important milestones in their own right but did not directly relate to the regulation of the economy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
It is very easy to fire a bureaucrat.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Firing a bureaucrat is not an easy task due to various reasons. Bureaucrats usually have job security, protection from political interference, and legal safeguards that make it difficult to terminate their employment. Additionally, bureaucratic processes and regulations often make it a lengthy and complicated procedure to dismiss a bureaucrat. Therefore, it is not true that it is easy to fire a bureaucrat.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Periodically, the size of bureaucracy has grown substantially. These times of growth have generally occurred during
- A.
Depressions.
- B.
Wars.
- C.
Periods of prosperity.
- D.
Recessions.
- E.
Election years.
Correct Answer
B. Wars.Explanation
During times of war, governments often need to expand their bureaucracies in order to effectively manage and coordinate various aspects of the war effort. This includes recruiting and training additional personnel, establishing new departments and agencies, and implementing new policies and regulations. Wars require a significant increase in administrative capacity to handle the increased demands on the government, making it a period of substantial growth for the bureaucracy.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A person appointed to a government position after passing an examination is probably joining the
- A.
Excepted service.
- B.
Competitive service.
- C.
Patronage system.
- D.
Department of State.
- E.
Department of Justice.
Correct Answer
B. Competitive service.Explanation
A person appointed to a government position after passing an examination is likely joining the competitive service. This is because the competitive service is a system of employment in the federal government that is based on merit and qualifications. Candidates are required to go through a competitive examination process to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job. This process ensures that individuals are selected based on their qualifications rather than personal connections or favoritism, as seen in the patronage system. The Department of State and Department of Justice are specific government departments and not the correct answer in this context.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Before 1913, the federal government could not collect income taxes.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Before 1913, the federal government could not collect income taxes. This is true because the 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which authorized the federal government to levy income taxes, was ratified in 1913. Prior to this amendment, the federal government relied on other sources of revenue, such as tariffs and excise taxes, to fund its operations. The introduction of income taxes allowed the government to generate additional revenue and fund various programs and initiatives.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following statements about the congressional power to investigate is INCORRECT?
- A.
The power is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution
- B.
The power has been inferred from the power to legislate.
- C.
Congress can compel witnesses to appear by subpoena.
- D.
Ignoring a congressional subpoena can result in citation for contempt.
- E.
Congress cannot sentence an individual in contempt to jail.
Correct Answer
E. Congress cannot sentence an individual in contempt to jail.Explanation
The correct answer is that Congress cannot sentence an individual in contempt to jail. This is incorrect because Congress does have the power to sentence an individual in contempt to jail. This power is derived from its inherent authority to enforce its own orders and maintain its own dignity and effectiveness. When an individual refuses to comply with a congressional subpoena, Congress can hold that person in contempt and refer the matter to the Department of Justice for prosecution. If found guilty, the individual can be sentenced to jail.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The most powerful group iin Congress in terms of control over an agency's budget is the
- A.
House Ways and Means Committee.
- B.
House Committee on Committees.
- C.
House Steering Committee.
- D.
House Appropriations Committee.
- E.
House Rules Committee.
Correct Answer
D. House Appropriations Committee.Explanation
The House Appropriations Committee is the most powerful group in Congress in terms of control over an agency's budget. This committee is responsible for allocating funds to various government agencies and programs. They have the authority to determine how much money each agency receives and can also impose conditions on the use of those funds. Their decisions have a significant impact on the functioning of the government and its agencies, making them a crucial group in terms of budget control.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following oversight functions can Congress NOT perform.
- A.
Authorization of an agency budget.
- B.
Appropriation of an agency budget.
- C.
Creation of an agency budget.
- D.
Dismissal of an agency head.
- E.
B & C
Correct Answer
D. Dismissal of an agency head.Explanation
Congress has the authority to perform oversight functions such as authorization and appropriation of an agency budget, as well as the creation of an agency budget. However, Congress does not have the power to directly dismiss an agency head. While they can hold hearings and investigations into an agency's activities, they do not have the authority to directly remove an agency head from their position. This power typically lies with the President or the executive branch.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following statements about issue networks is correct?
- A.
They tend to be highly academic and nonpartisan.
- B.
They tend to hold views that are in opposition to the party in power.
- C.
They are groups that regularly debate government policy on specific issues.
- D.
They are composed mostly of federal bureaucrats of the same party as the current president.
- E.
They are usually composed of party leaders and corporate heads.
Correct Answer
C. They are groups that regularly debate government policy on specific issues.Explanation
Issue networks are groups that regularly debate government policy on specific issues. This means that they are composed of individuals from various backgrounds who come together to discuss and analyze specific policy matters. These networks are not limited to academics or nonpartisan individuals, nor are they exclusively composed of federal bureaucrats or party leaders. Their main purpose is to engage in ongoing discussions and debates related to government policies on specific issues.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The relationship among an agency, a committee, and an interest group was described in the past as:
- A.
Red tape.
- B.
An issue network.
- C.
An iron triangle.
- D.
Laissez-faire.
- E.
A flexible triumvirate.
Correct Answer
C. An iron triangle.Explanation
The relationship among an agency, a committee, and an interest group was described in the past as an iron triangle. This term refers to a close and mutually beneficial relationship between these three entities, where they work together to advance their own interests. The agency implements policies, the committee provides oversight and funding, and the interest group provides support and influence. This relationship is often characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability, with decisions being made behind closed doors.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The Whistle-blower Act of 1989 is designed to protect
- A.
Agencies that are being undermined by their employees.
- B.
Agencies that are being undermined by Congress.
- C.
Agency heads who fire employees for misconduct.
- D.
Bureaucrats who tell on their bosses.
- E.
Bureaucrats who are not career employees.
Correct Answer
D. Bureaucrats who tell on their bosses.Explanation
The correct answer is bureaucrats who tell on their bosses. The Whistle-blower Act of 1989 is a legislation that aims to protect government employees, specifically bureaucrats, who report or disclose illegal or unethical activities committed by their superiors or colleagues. This act provides safeguards against retaliation, such as demotion or termination, for those who expose wrongdoing within their organizations. By encouraging and protecting whistle-blowers, the act helps to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity within government agencies.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Unlike the excepted service, the competitive service is administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The competitive service is indeed administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), unlike the excepted service. This means that the OPM is responsible for overseeing the hiring process, setting qualification standards, and maintaining personnel records for positions in the competitive service. The competitive service is a merit-based system that requires individuals to go through a competitive examination or selection process to be considered for employment. This system is designed to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore, the given answer, True, is correct.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Agencies tend to be dominated by lifetime bureaucrats who have worked for no other agency.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that agencies are mostly staffed by lifetime bureaucrats who have not worked for any other agency. This implies that there is a lack of diversity and fresh perspectives within agencies, as most employees have limited experience and may be resistant to change. Therefore, the statement is true as it highlights the dominance of lifelong bureaucrats within agencies.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A strong agency culture makes an agency easier to change.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
A strong agency culture actually makes an agency more resistant to change. When there is a strong culture in place, employees are often deeply ingrained in the established ways of doing things and may resist any attempts to change or disrupt those norms. This can make it difficult to implement new ideas or strategies within the agency.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The authorization and appropriation of funds for an agency's budget are made by the president.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The explanation for the answer "False" is that the authorization and appropriation of funds for an agency's budget are not made by the president. In the United States, the power of the purse lies with the Congress. It is the responsibility of Congress to pass legislation that authorizes and appropriates funds for government agencies. The president may propose a budget, but it is ultimately up to Congress to approve and allocate the funds.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 09, 2013Quiz Created by
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