Glossary
Administrative Law
The body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government, including their rulemaking and enforcement powers.
Example:
A company challenging a fine from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would navigate the principles of Administrative Law.
Bureaucracy
The large, complex system of unelected officials that implements, administers, and enforces policies, laws, and regulations at the federal level.
Example:
When Congress passes a new environmental protection law, the Environmental Protection Agency (Bureaucracy) is responsible for creating the specific rules and enforcing them across the country.
Bureaucratic Discretion
The ability of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement congressional intentions, often by interpreting vague laws.
Example:
When Congress passes a law requiring 'safe' toys, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) exercises Bureaucratic Discretion to define what 'safe' means through specific regulations.
Civil Service
The permanent, professional workforce of the government, hired and promoted based on merit rather than political affiliation.
Example:
A scientist working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is part of the Civil Service, hired for their expertise in public health.
Congressional Oversight
The power of Congress to monitor and review the actions of the executive branch and its agencies to ensure they are implementing laws as intended.
Example:
A congressional committee holding hearings on the Department of Veterans Affairs' handling of healthcare services is an example of Congressional Oversight.
Departments
The largest and most visible organizations in the federal bureaucracy, each responsible for a broad policy area and headed by a Secretary who is part of the President's Cabinet.
Example:
The Department of Education is one of the 15 executive Departments, overseeing federal programs and policies related to schooling.
Executive Agencies
Agencies that are part of the executive branch and are directly accountable to the President, typically headed by a single appointee.
Example:
The Department of Justice is an Executive Agency whose head, the Attorney General, is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the President.
Executive Branch
The branch of government headed by the President, responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress.
Example:
The Department of Defense, a key part of the Executive Branch, manages the nation's military forces under the direction of the President.
Government Corporations
Government-owned businesses that provide services that could also be provided by the private sector, often charging for their services.
Example:
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a Government Corporation that delivers mail and packages, operating much like a private business.
Hatch Act (1939)
A federal law that limits the political activities of federal employees, aiming to ensure that the civil service remains non-partisan.
Example:
Under the Hatch Act (1939), a federal employee cannot actively campaign for a political candidate while on duty or in a government building.
Independent Agencies
Agencies that operate outside of the executive departments, usually with a specific mission and a degree of independence from presidential control.
Example:
NASA, responsible for the U.S. space program, is an Independent Agency that reports directly to the President but is not part of a Cabinet department.
Interest Groups
Organizations that share common goals and actively attempt to influence government policy and decision-making.
Example:
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a powerful Interest Group that lobbies Congress and the bureaucracy on gun control legislation.
Iron Triangle
A strong, mutually beneficial relationship between a congressional committee, a bureaucratic agency, and an interest group, often leading to policy that serves their shared interests.
Example:
The relationship between the House Armed Services Committee, the Department of Defense, and defense contractors forms an Iron Triangle that influences military spending.
Issue Networks
Loose and flexible alliances of various actors, including interest groups, academics, media, and government officials, who are interested in a particular policy area.
Example:
Discussions around climate change policy often involve an Issue Network of environmental scientists, renewable energy lobbyists, think tanks, and congressional staff.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to determine whether acts of the legislative and executive branches, including bureaucratic actions, are constitutional.
Example:
If an environmental group believes a new EPA regulation exceeds the agency's authority, they can challenge it in court, relying on the principle of Judicial Review.
Merit System
A system of hiring and promoting government employees based on their ability, knowledge, and skills, typically demonstrated through competitive examinations.
Example:
To ensure fairness, federal agencies now use a Merit System where job applicants are evaluated based on their qualifications and performance on standardized tests.
Merit Systems Protection Board
An independent agency that protects federal merit systems and employees by investigating allegations of prohibited personnel practices and hearing appeals.
Example:
If a federal employee believes they were unfairly disciplined for reporting waste, they can appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board.
Mission Creep
The gradual expansion of an agency's original purpose or responsibilities beyond its initial mandate.
Example:
Some critics argue that the Department of Homeland Security has experienced Mission Creep by expanding its focus beyond counter-terrorism to include broader domestic security issues.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The federal agency responsible for managing the civil service, including hiring, training, and retirement programs for federal employees.
Example:
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) oversees the federal government's human resources, ensuring that agencies follow merit system principles.
Pendleton Act (1883)
A landmark federal law that established the merit-based civil service system, largely ending the spoils system in federal hiring.
Example:
The Pendleton Act (1883) was passed after President Garfield's assassination, driven by public outcry against the corruption of the spoils system.
Red Tape
Excessive or unnecessarily complex rules, procedures, and paperwork that can hinder or delay government action.
Example:
Applying for a small business loan from a federal agency can sometimes involve so much Red Tape that entrepreneurs find the process overwhelming.
Regulatory Agencies
Independent government bodies that create and enforce rules within specific industries or areas of the economy to protect the public interest.
Example:
The Federal Communications Commission (Regulatory Agencies) sets rules for television and radio broadcasts, including content and licensing.
Rulemaking
The process by which government agencies create, amend, or repeal regulations, often involving public notice and comment periods.
Example:
Before implementing new emissions standards, the EPA engages in Rulemaking, allowing car manufacturers and environmental groups to provide input.
Spoils System
A practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends, and relatives as a reward for working toward victory.
Example:
After winning the presidency, a new president might replace many federal employees with loyal campaign workers under the Spoils System.
The Cabinet
An advisory body to the President, consisting of the heads of the 15 executive departments and other key officials.
Example:
The Secretary of State, as a member of The Cabinet, advises the President on foreign policy matters.
Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989
A federal law designed to protect federal employees who report waste, fraud, and abuse within the government from retaliation.
Example:
Thanks to the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, a government employee who exposes misuse of funds can do so without fear of being fired or demoted.