Chapter 15 Flashcards
Authorization Legislation
Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency.
Bureaucracy
A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials.
Committee Clearance
The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance and without passing a law.
Competitive Service
The government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit as ascertained by a written exam or by meeting certain selection criteria.
Discretionary authority
The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies that are not spelled out in advance by laws.
Government by proxy
Washington paying state and local governments and private groups to staff and administer federal programs.
Iron Triangle
A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.
issue network
A network of people in Washington, D.C.-based interest groups, on congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media who regularly discuss and advocate public policies.
laissez-faire
An economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce.
legislative veto
The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power.
name-request job
A job filled by a person whom an agency has already identified.
red tape
Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done.
trust funds
Funds for government programs collected and spent outside the regular government budget.
Appropriation
A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency.
