Government Ch. 10

Which department of the cabinet do you think conducts medical research? Explain your answer.

The Department of Health and Human Services. It manages the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs. Its Food and Drug Administration inspects food and approves new drugs for medical treatment.

How are government corporations and private businesses alike and different?

Some independent agencies, such as the Small Business Administration, directly serve the public. Many of the major agencies are government corporations. These are businesses the federal government runs. The best-known government corporation is the United States Postal Service (USPS). Government corporations are organized like private businesses. Each has a board of directors and executive officers who direct daily operations. Unlike a private business, however, money from Congress, not investors, supports a government corporation.

How did Congress respond to President Carter’s suggestion that society was overregulated?

In 1976 presidential candidate Jimmy Carter suggested that American society had too many regulations. Congress responded to complaints of overregulation by taking steps to deregulate, or reduce the powers of regulatory commissions. For example, in 1978 Congress ordered the Civil Aeronautics Board to cut back on rules concerning airlines. Also, in the 1980s and 1990s, Republicans pushed for regulatory changes. Congress responded by passing deregulation laws dealing with reduced paperwork, risk assessment, and private property rights.

How did the spoils system differ from the civil service system?

the spoils system was the practice of victorious politicians rewarding their followers with government jobs. The civil service system requires that government employment be based on open exams that test merit.

Why did many federal employees dislike the original Hatch Act?

Many federal workers argue that the Hatch Act violates freedom of speech.

What general qualifications does a president look for in an appointee?

They are usually college educated. Most have advanced degrees. Many are lawyers. Most return to jobs outside the government when the president leaves office.

Why are advice and information from bureaucrats helpful to political decision makers?

Many career bureaucrats are experts in their areas. In addition, many agencies collect information on a wide variety of subjects. Federal agencies may use their information to support or oppose a particular policy.

Give three examples of cabinet departments that were created to meet the demands of citizens.

Citizen Demands Congress created the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor to meet the increased demands of farmers, business people, and workers. Each agency serves client groups. Clients are the individuals and groups who work with the agency and are most affected by its decisions. For example, a client group of the Department of Defense are the manufacturers that make weapons and military supplies. Client groups often lobby both Congress and the agency itself for more programs and services.

What four individuals or groups influence federal agencies?

The president, Congress, the courts, and client groups influence federal agencies.

Why is iron used to describe the interactions among congressional committees, client groups, and federal agencies?

The adjective iron is used because the relationship is so strong that individuals and groups outside the triangle often find it difficult to influence policy in the area.