Chapter 15

Question 1

Bureaucracy

Answer 1

A large complex organization composed of appointed officials

Question 2

Government by proxy

Answer 2

Washington pays state and local governments and private groups to staff and administer federal programs

Question 3

Laissez-faire

Answer 3

An economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce

Question 4

Discretionary authority

Answer 4

The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action, and make policies not spelled out in advance by laws

Question 5

Competitive service

Answer 5

The government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit, as ascertained by a written exam, or by applying certain selection criteria

Question 6

Name request job

Answer 6

A job filled by a person whom an agency has already identified (preexisting preference)

Question 7

Iron triangle

Answer 7

A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group

Question 8

Issue network

Answer 8

A network of people in Washington, DC based interest groups, on congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media, who regularly discuss and advocate public policies

Question 9

Appropriation

Answer 9

A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency

Question 10

Authorization legislation

Answer 10

Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency

Question 11

Trust funds

Answer 11

Funds for government programs collected and spent outside the regular government budget

Question 12

Committee clearance

Answer 12

The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance and without passing a law

Question 13

Red tape

Answer 13

Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done