GORDON'S AP GOVERNMENT



So you are going to read the “guide” on the federal bureaucracy. That means you have to do more to understand it. I know how easy it is to skim through a reading just to find answers, but take the time to actually read it, as it can only help you. The questions/tasks are based on comprehension more than simple regurgitation – so it would be hard to just read for answers.

1. Define bureaucracy (in your own words) –

2. Describe two major functions of the federal bureaucracy –

a.

b.

*Let me introduce you to Max Weber. He claims he invented bureaucracy. He said society was most rationally organized based on the idea of a hierarchy of authority (what about the little guy?), and specialization of tasks based on ability, being hired for performance, and productivity versus just knowing someone – oh wait, that is pretty genius!

3. Clarify the statement “the US government prefers regulation to ownership” in the context of the role of the federal bureaucracy –

4. STORY TIME! - Provide (in your own words) the evolution/growth of the federal bureaucracy in American history citing specific details including but not limited to (the Constitution, the spoils system, the Pendleton Civil Service Act, and the modern bureaucracy.)

5. The number of bureaucrats have leveled off at the national level but grown at the state level. (Think about that, ok, breath.) Taking that into consideration, and what you know about FEDERALISM (division of power and/or responsibility between national and state governments) explain why this has happened –

6. Explain why bureaucrats are more representative of the entire American populous than politicians.

7. Describe the general functions of cabinet departments –

a. Explain how this is different than their role to the president –

8. Which cabinet department requires the largest allocation of the federal budget?

a. Why do you think this is?

9. Describe the general function of independent regulatory agencies –

a. Explain how they are watchdogs for industry and business –

b. Describe a factor that insulates their boards from partisan preferences –

10. Describe the general function of a government corporation –

11. Describe the general function of independent executive agencies –

12. Explain bureaucratic discretionary authority (in your own words) –

13. After reading all of “what do bureaucrats do?” – summarize the entire process of a bill becoming a law, including the role of Congress (go through the committees and what not), the president (veto; signing statements), and then, and most important, major role of bureaucracy –

14. Compare and contrast the roles of Congress and the president over the federal bureaucracy – this should be detailed (it’s been an FRQ often, so pay attention.)

15. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH BREAK!!!!! Go to the internet, and using probably , or , or , or a news website research an occurrence in the last 5 years in which a bureaucratic agency or agent has testified in front of Congress – then tell me all about it! –

16. Song break! Interest groups and bureaucrats sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes…finish this using the material in the section on iron triangles.

17. Here’s a triangle – label it based on the information in the section labeled “iron triangle” (don’t look it up, I’m curious if you understand what it would look like from the text) –

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