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What is bureaucracy?
An administrative system staffed largely by nonelected officials who perform specific tasks in accordance with standard procedures.
What does delegation mean?
The act of entrusting a task or power to another person or entity.
Name three key features of America's bureaucracy.
Hierarchical authority, job specialization, and formalized rules.
What is one benefit of hierarchical authority in bureaucracy?
It limits conflicts concerning who has decision-making authority.
How does job specialization benefit bureaucracy?
It encourages efficiency and productivity.
What did the spoils system involve?
President Andrew Jackson gave government posts to supporters regardless of merit.
What year was the Pendleton Act passed?
1883.
What did the Pendleton Act establish?
That merit would be the standard for hiring government officials.
What is the civil service?
The civilian employees of the bureaucracy who carry out the administrative tasks of government.
Who successfully argued in 1789 that the president should be able to remove officials from the State Department?
James Madison.
What is the Executive Office of the President (EOP)?
The first level of bureaucracy beneath the president that assists with policymaking and management.
What is the role of the White House staff?
To serve the president by communicating his policies to agencies and the public.
Who advises the president and selects key people for the White House staff?
The chief of staff.
What is the West Wing?
The center of activity for the White House staff.
What section of the White House accommodates the First Lady and her staff?
The East Wing.
How many cabinet departments currently exist?
Fifteen.
