Bureaucracy

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AP Government and Politics › Bureaucracy

Questions 1 - 10
1

Which of the following is not one of the defining elements of a true bureaucracy?

Employees who are knowledgeable generalists

Impartiality towards the public

A lengthy and detailed set of rules

Strict upholding of the merit principle

A firm hierarchical structure of power

Explanation

Bureaucracies actually favor employees who are specialists in various fields, so that each individual specializes in and has great aptitude for their assigned topic. Each bureaucratic employee is intended to be an expert in their own realm, with only the best of the best attending to the most crucial tasks. In order to ensure this high standard, the system operates exclusively on the merit principle – hiring and promotion decisions are based on proven accomplishments and assessments, rather than on personal connections or other intangible assets. Another defining feature of the bureaucratic system is impersonal relations with the public, where each matter is attended to with impartiality and fairness, even if members of Congress or a President is involved. This impartiality is enforced by a strict adherence to a lengthy set of rules, which details each and every case that may arise before a bureaucrat. These rules attempt to anticipate any concerns that may come before the bureaucracy and set out laws governing explicit courses of action, all to ensure that no favoritism is shown. Internally, bureaucracies are structured on a fixed hierarchal basis, with each employee confined to their sphere of expertise and power stemming from the topmost authority figures downwards.

2

Which of the following is not one of the defining elements of a true bureaucracy?

Employees who are knowledgeable generalists

Impartiality towards the public

A lengthy and detailed set of rules

Strict upholding of the merit principle

A firm hierarchical structure of power

Explanation

Bureaucracies actually favor employees who are specialists in various fields, so that each individual specializes in and has great aptitude for their assigned topic. Each bureaucratic employee is intended to be an expert in their own realm, with only the best of the best attending to the most crucial tasks. In order to ensure this high standard, the system operates exclusively on the merit principle – hiring and promotion decisions are based on proven accomplishments and assessments, rather than on personal connections or other intangible assets. Another defining feature of the bureaucratic system is impersonal relations with the public, where each matter is attended to with impartiality and fairness, even if members of Congress or a President is involved. This impartiality is enforced by a strict adherence to a lengthy set of rules, which details each and every case that may arise before a bureaucrat. These rules attempt to anticipate any concerns that may come before the bureaucracy and set out laws governing explicit courses of action, all to ensure that no favoritism is shown. Internally, bureaucracies are structured on a fixed hierarchal basis, with each employee confined to their sphere of expertise and power stemming from the topmost authority figures downwards.

3

The Department of Homeland Security was created during the Presidency of                     

George W. Bush.

George H.W. Bush.

Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Richard Nixon.

Bill Clinton.

Explanation

The Department of Homeland Security was first proposed at the beginning of 2001 and was then expedited to meet the growing threat of terrorism after 9/11. Thus it was created during the Presidency of George W. Bush. The primary function of the Department of Homeland Security is to protect the citizens of the United States from terrorist attacks on American soil.

4

The Department of Homeland Security was created during the Presidency of                     

George W. Bush.

George H.W. Bush.

Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Richard Nixon.

Bill Clinton.

Explanation

The Department of Homeland Security was first proposed at the beginning of 2001 and was then expedited to meet the growing threat of terrorism after 9/11. Thus it was created during the Presidency of George W. Bush. The primary function of the Department of Homeland Security is to protect the citizens of the United States from terrorist attacks on American soil.

5

Which government organization regulates the nation’s money supply?

The Federal Reserve

The Department of the Interior

The House of Representatives

The Senate

The Secretary of State

Explanation

Since its creation in 1913, the Federal Reserve is tasked with regulating the money supply in the United States, among other responsibilities. It serves as the central bank of the United States and its primary duty is to prevent financial panics and maintain the stability of the financial system. Its record could probably be interpreted as long periods of success with the occasional massive catastrophes, but most economic experts agree that this is much better than the far more frequent financial panics that occurred in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

6

Which government organization regulates the nation’s money supply?

The Federal Reserve

The Department of the Interior

The House of Representatives

The Senate

The Secretary of State

Explanation

Since its creation in 1913, the Federal Reserve is tasked with regulating the money supply in the United States, among other responsibilities. It serves as the central bank of the United States and its primary duty is to prevent financial panics and maintain the stability of the financial system. Its record could probably be interpreted as long periods of success with the occasional massive catastrophes, but most economic experts agree that this is much better than the far more frequent financial panics that occurred in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

7

After a president nominates an individual to be a Cabinet secretary, that appointment must be confirmed by                     .

the Senate

the Supreme Court

the Vice President

Congress

the Speaker of the House

Explanation

The constitution stipulates that presidential appointees to cabinet positions must be confirmed by the Senate. The supreme court has no jurisdiction over appointments of any kind.

8

After a president nominates an individual to be a Cabinet secretary, that appointment must be confirmed by                     .

the Senate

the Supreme Court

the Vice President

Congress

the Speaker of the House

Explanation

The constitution stipulates that presidential appointees to cabinet positions must be confirmed by the Senate. The supreme court has no jurisdiction over appointments of any kind.

9

Which Cabinet position oversees the Veterans Health Administration?

The Secretary of Veteran Affairs

The Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Secretary of Military Health Services

The Secretary of Defense

Explanation

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs leads the Department of Veterans Affairs, which deals with caring for and supporting military veterans as well as maintaining military cemeteries. The Veterans Health Administration is the organization within the Department charged with providing healthcare for veterans.

10

Which Cabinet position oversees the Veterans Health Administration?

The Secretary of Veteran Affairs

The Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Secretary of Military Health Services

The Secretary of Defense

Explanation

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs leads the Department of Veterans Affairs, which deals with caring for and supporting military veterans as well as maintaining military cemeteries. The Veterans Health Administration is the organization within the Department charged with providing healthcare for veterans.

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