Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable

Susan Lewis
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers bureaucracy accountability in the US government, focusing on how different branches ensure responsible and efficient governance. Key topics include congressional oversight, executive direction, judicial rulings, authorization of spending, and the role of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). The guide also provides key vocabulary, examples, practice questions, and exam tips.
#AP US Government: Bureaucracy Accountability - The Night Before ๐
Hey! Let's get you prepped for the exam. This guide is designed to make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and give you some memory aids to make everything stick. Let's do this! ๐ช
#1. Introduction to Bureaucracy Accountability
Bureaucracy accountability is all about making sure government agencies and officials play by the rules, use resources wisely, and serve the public fairly. It's a big deal because it ensures our government is transparent and responsible. Think of it like this: if the government is a car, accountability is the steering wheel, making sure it goes where it's supposed to go. ๐
#Key Questions to Ask
When evaluating accountability, think about these questions:
- Are agencies following the law? โ๏ธ
- Are resources used efficiently? ๐ฐ
- Are services fair and transparent? โ๏ธ
- Are there checks and balances? โ
- Are there audits and performance reviews? ๐
- Is information available to the public? ๐ฐ
- Can citizens voice concerns? ๐ฃ๏ธ
- Is there a culture of transparency? ๐๏ธ
#Key Vocabulary
- Bureaucracy: A system with hierarchy, rules, and division of labor. Think of it as the structure of government agencies.๐ข
- Accountability: Being responsible for actions and decisions. It's about being answerable. ๐
- Transparency: Openness and accessibility of information. It's about letting the public see what's going on. ๐
- Governance: Decision-making and authority in organizations. It's the process of how things are run. โ๏ธ
- Checks and Balances: System to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful. Think of it like a three-legged stool. ๐ช
- Performance Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of programs. It's about measuring results. ๐
- Audit: Examination of financial or operational information. It's like a financial check-up. ๐งพ
- Public Reporting: Sharing government activities with the public. It's about keep...

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