How Well Do You Know Federal Bureaucracy
How much do you know about the federal bureaucracy? Take up the quick quiz to find out. The federal bureaucracy consists of almost 500 departments and is tasked with the implementation of laws, administration, and regulation. Bureaucracies are large administrative agencies reflecting a hierarchical authority, job specialization, and rules and regulations that drive them. The quiz is designed to help you understand the complexities of governance. If you like this quiz, share it with your friends.
- 1.
It has been said that the general opinion of the government is negative in the minds of many. The bureaucracy probably contributes by
- A.
Not tackling national problems.
- B.
Not following Congressional and presidential directives.
- C.
Existing far from the controls of the public.
- D.
Not providing jobs for the public.
- E.
Being comprised of political appointees.
Correct Answer
C. Existing far from the controls of the public.Explanation
The correct answer is "existing far from the controls of the public." This answer suggests that the bureaucracy contributes to the negative opinion of the government because it operates independently and is not easily influenced or controlled by the general public. This lack of transparency and accountability can lead to a perception that the government is distant and unresponsive to the needs and concerns of the people.Rate this question:
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- 2.
One of the more controversial aspects of the Fourth Branch is
- A.
That agencies have quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers
- B.
That agencies have quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers.
- C.
Those agencies are cut, costing many their jobs.
- D.
That agencies do not help local economies.
- E.
That agencies are mostly staffed by minorities.
Correct Answer
A. That agencies have quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powersExplanation
The correct answer is that agencies have quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers. This means that agencies have the ability to create rules and regulations (quasi-legislative) and also the ability to interpret and enforce those rules (quasi-judicial). This aspect of the Fourth Branch is controversial because it raises concerns about the separation of powers and the potential for agencies to overreach their authority. It also raises questions about accountability and the extent to which agencies should be able to make and enforce laws without direct oversight from the legislative and judicial branches.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The bureaucratic system is now critical to our government because
- A.
It is so difficult to remove once created.
- B.
Problems are too vast and complex for Congress to control.
- C.
It has no effective controls on its power.
- D.
The executive wants the power.
- E.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the system must exist to help Congress.
Correct Answer
B. Problems are too vast and complex for Congress to control.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that the bureaucratic system is now critical to our government because the problems faced by the government are too vast and complex for Congress to control. This implies that the bureaucratic system is necessary to handle the intricate issues that Congress cannot effectively manage on its own.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Ineffective and unwanted programs are often difficult to remove. This is best explained by the fact that
- A.
Iron triangles of power benefit in their existence.
- B.
Federal agencies benefit from their existence.
- C.
Local communities want the jobs that go with the programs.
- D.
Powerful lobby forces support the industries and contracts behind the programs.
- E.
Leaders of agencies benefit from their continued existence.
Correct Answer
A. Iron triangles of power benefit in their existence.Explanation
The iron triangle is a term used to describe the close relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies. In this context, the iron triangles of power refer to the powerful lobby forces that support the industries and contracts behind ineffective and unwanted programs. These lobby forces have a vested interest in maintaining the existence of these programs, as it allows them to continue benefiting financially and exerting influence. This makes it difficult to remove such programs, as they have influential backers who resist any attempts to eliminate them.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which agency is in charge of monitoring the proper spending of federal monies?
- A.
The Office of Budget and Management
- B.
The Congressional Budget Office
- C.
The General Accounting Office
- D.
The Council of Economic Advisors
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
C. The General Accounting OfficeExplanation
The General Accounting Office is in charge of monitoring the proper spending of federal monies. This agency is responsible for auditing the financial operations of government agencies and ensuring that funds are being used appropriately and efficiently. They provide Congress with reports and recommendations to improve financial management and accountability.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which rule of bureaucracy states that bureaucrats are promoted until their level of incompetence?
- A.
Gramsci's Law
- B.
Weber's Law
- C.
Peter's law
- D.
Snell's Law
Correct Answer
C. Peter's lawExplanation
Peter's law, also known as the Peter Principle, states that in a hierarchy, employees tend to be promoted to their level of incompetence. This means that individuals who perform well in their current position will continue to be promoted until they reach a position in which they are no longer competent. This principle highlights the potential inefficiencies and limitations of a bureaucratic system, as individuals may be promoted based on past performance rather than their ability to excel in the new role.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is a judicial review?
- A.
The president can remove federal judges from the bench
- B.
The ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws made by legislature as unconstitutional
- C.
The ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. The ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws made by legislature as unconstitutionalExplanation
Judicial review refers to the ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws made by the legislature as unconstitutional. This means that the Supreme Court can review laws passed by the legislature and determine if they violate the Constitution. If the court finds a law to be unconstitutional, it can declare it null and void, effectively striking it down. This power is an important check on the legislative branch, ensuring that laws are in line with the Constitution and protecting individual rights.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The bureaucracy mainly consists of
- A.
Civil Servants
- B.
Political appointees
- C.
Both 1 and 2
- D.
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer
A. Civil ServantsExplanation
The correct answer is Civil Servants because the bureaucracy primarily comprises individuals who are part of the civil service. Civil servants are government employees who are hired based on their qualifications and expertise to carry out administrative and executive tasks in various government departments and agencies. On the other hand, political appointees are individuals who are appointed to specific positions within the government based on their political affiliations or connections. While political appointees may also be part of the bureaucracy, they are not the main component of it.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following has oversight and can check and balance the bureaucracy?
- A.
Judiciary
- B.
Executive
- C.
Legislature
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
The judiciary, executive, and legislature all have oversight and can check and balance the bureaucracy. The judiciary can review the actions of the bureaucracy to ensure they are within the bounds of the law. The executive branch, through the president or governor, can appoint and remove bureaucratic officials and can also issue executive orders to guide their actions. The legislature can pass laws that regulate the bureaucracy and can also conduct hearings and investigations to hold them accountable. Together, these three branches of government provide a system of checks and balances to prevent the bureaucracy from abusing its power.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Post Office provides services for the American people and tries to sustain its existence by raising its 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. A government corporation is a type of bureaucratic organization that operates like a business, providing services to the public and aiming to generate profits. The Post Office fits this description as it provides services to the American people and seeks to sustain its existence by raising profits. Independent commissions and regulatory agencies have different roles and functions within the government, so they do not accurately describe the Post Office.Rate this question:
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