The National Performance Review attempts to reform the bureaucracy by stressing

The National Performance Review attempts to reform the bureaucracy by stressing

a. efficiency.
b. rigidity.
c. accountability.
d. customer satisfaction.
e. consistent policies.

Answer: D

The text suggests many of the "horror stories" one hears about high-priced items that are purchased at the government's expense are

The text suggests many of the "horror stories" one hears about high-priced items that are purchased at the government's expense are

a. concocted by critics of the Hatch Act.
b. more accurate than public officials would like to admit.
c. documented in Congressional Quarterly.
d. the by-product of bureaucratic imperialism.
e. either exaggerated or unusual occurrences.

Answer: E

Bureaucratic imperialism occurs because

Bureaucratic imperialism occurs because

a. large organizations must ensure one part of the organization does not operate out of step.
b. Congress often wants to achieve a number of different, partially inconsistent goals.
c. Congress can be unclear as to exactly what it wants an agency to do.
d. of the need to satisfy political requirements.
e. of the need to satisfy legal requirements.

Answer: C

Bureaucratic conflict and duplication occur because

Bureaucratic conflict and duplication occur because

a. large organizations must ensure one part of the organization does not operate out of step.
b. Congress often wants to achieve a number of different, partially inconsistent goals.
c. Congress can be unclear as to exactly what it wants an agency to do.
d. of the need to satisfy political requirements.
e. of the need to satisfy legal requirements.

Answer: B

All of the following statements concerning the legislative veto are correct except

All of the following statements concerning the legislative veto are correct except

a. Congress made frequent use of it for many decades.
b. it required an executive decision to lie before Congress for a specified period of time.
c. resolutions of disapproval could be passed by either or both houses.
d. the Supreme Court ruled such vetoes unconstitutional.
e. Congress has not passed a law containing a legislative veto since the Court considered its constitutionality in 1983.

Answer: E

One effect of the constraints on federal agencies is that lower-ranking employees will tend to

One effect of the constraints on federal agencies is that lower-ranking employees will tend to

a. retain sole responsibility for a job.
b. perform tasks in a prompt, timely fashion.
c. act with greater consistency.
d. complain about red tape.
e. let their bosses make decisions.

Answer: E

The Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 required that

The Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 required that

a. every part of agency meetings be open to the public.
b. government files about individuals be kept confidential.
c. environmental impact statements be issued before undertaking major actions.
d. agencies give notice before they adopt new rules, hold hearings, and solicit comments.
e. citizens be allowed to inspect certain government records.

Answer: D

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) tends to employ

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) tends to employ

a. lawyers.
b. doctors.
c. engineers.
d. economists.
e. A and D.

Answer: E

Personal attitudes probably have the greatest influence on

Personal attitudes probably have the greatest influence on

a. civil servants performing routinized tasks.
b. civil servants performing tasks which are closely monitored by others.
c. tasks performed by professionals in federal agencies.
d. civil servants performing tasks closely defined by laws.
e. civil servants performing tasks closely defined by rules.

Answer: C

The powers of obstruction available to aggrieved bureaucrats are

The powers of obstruction available to aggrieved bureaucrats are

a. formidable.
b. unimpressive.
c. quite limited.
d. easily countered.
e. largely symbolic and without consequence.

Answer: A

Surveys find that career bureaucrats are more likely than other people to

Surveys find that career bureaucrats are more likely than other people to

a. favor limited government.
b. hold liberal views.
c. trust government.
d. vote for Democrats.
e. B, C and D.

Answer: C

Which of the following is not among the procedures for firing or demoting a member of the competitive civil service?

Which of the following is not among the procedures for firing or demoting a member of the competitive civil service?

a. Written notice of thirty days.
b. Statement of reasons for dismissal.
c. Right to a hearing.
d. Right to an attorney.
e. Review by the OPM.

Answer: E

Which of the following statements concerning the Senior Executive Service is incorrect?

Which of the following statements concerning the Senior Executive Service is incorrect?

a. It was created by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
b. It consists of eight thousand top federal managers who, in theory, can be fired more easily than ordinary civil servants.
c. It consists of eight thousand top federal managers who, in theory, can be transferred more easily than ordinary civil servants.
d. Its members are eligible for substantial cash bonuses if they perform their duties well.
e. None of the above.

Answer: E

A 1987 study found that _______ of federal employees who had completed their probationary period were fired for misconduct or poor performance.

A 1987 study found that _______ of federal employees who had completed their probationary period were fired for misconduct or poor performance.

a. less than 1 percent
b. 2 percent
c. 5 percent
d. 10 percent
e. 22 percent

Answer: A

If an agency carefully crafts a job description with a specific person in mind and, afterward, provides the name of that person to the OPM, it is a ______ job.

If an agency carefully crafts a job description with a specific person in mind and, afterward, provides the name of that person to the OPM, it is a ______ job.

a. name-request job
b. itemized specialty
c. schedule C
d. NEA
e. SES

Answer: A

The emergence of the merit system was, in part, prompted by

The emergence of the merit system was, in part, prompted by

a. the Whiskey Ring scandal of the Grant administration.
b. the assassination of James Garfield.
c. persistent robbery of the federal mails.
d. scandals involving relatives of presidents who were in critical positions in government.
e. all of the above.

Answer: B

A steady transfer of federal jobs from the patronage to the merit system was initiated by the passage of the

A steady transfer of federal jobs from the patronage to the merit system was initiated by the passage of the

a. Seventeenth Amendment.
b. Eighteenth Amendment.
c. Pendleton Act.
d. Hatch Act.
e. Civil Service Reform Act.

Answer: C

What percentage of all federal employees is part of the excepted service?

What percentage of all federal employees is part of the excepted service?

a. About 20 percent.
b. About 30 percent.
c. About 40 percent.
d. About 50 percent.
e. About 80 percent.

Answer: D

The decentralization of the competitive service system and decrease in the use of examinations was prompted, in part, by

The decentralization of the competitive service system and decrease in the use of examinations was prompted, in part, by

a. controversies concerning the scoring of exams.
b. controversies concerning arbitrary rankings.
c. political pressure by members of Congress to hire influential constituents.
d. Supreme Court decisions which declared OPM policies unconstitutional.
e. pressure by Civil Rights groups to make the racial composition of the bureaucracy more representative.

Answer: E

Congress has delegated substantial authority to administrative agencies in what three areas?

Congress has delegated substantial authority to administrative agencies in what three areas?

a. Grants-in-aid, law enforcement, national defense.
b. Law enforcement, social services, resource management.
c. Grants-in-aid, subsidy payments, enforcement of regulations.
d. Grants-in-aid, subsidy payments, law enforcement.
e. Social services, law enforcement, national defense.

Answer: C

Which of the following is the most important consideration in evaluating the power of a bureaucracy?

Which of the following is the most important consideration in evaluating the power of a bureaucracy?

a. The number of employees in it.
b. The importance of its functions.
c. The extent to which its actions are supported by the public.
d. The social status of its leaders.
e. The amount of discretionary authority that its officials have.

Answer: E

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of employees in the Department of

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of employees in the Department of

a. Justice.
b. Treasury.
c. Agriculture.
d. Transportation.
e. Education.

Answer: A

The number of civilians working for the federal government, excluding postal workers, is

The number of civilians working for the federal government, excluding postal workers, is

a. about 2 million.
b. about the same as it was in 1960.
c. less than it was during World War II.
d. is higher than it has ever been.
e. A, B and C.

Answer: A

The bureaucracy of American government today is largely a product of which two events?

The bureaucracy of American government today is largely a product of which two events?

a. The Depression and World War II.
b. World War I and World War II.
c. World War II and the Korean War.
d. The Korean War and the Vietnam War.
e. The Vietnam War and Watergate.

Answer: A

Wars have generally caused the federal bureaucracy to

Wars have generally caused the federal bureaucracy to

a. become more decentralized.
b. shrink in size, but increase in efficiency.
c. respond more quickly, but make inefficient decisions.
d. increase in size.
e. neutralize the power of Congress.

Answer: D

As late as 1935 the Supreme Court held that

As late as 1935 the Supreme Court held that

a. the legislature may not delegate its powers to any administrative agency.
b. a regulatory agency was necessary to control interstate commerce.
c. regulatory agencies could exercise wide discretion.
d. an agency must be staffed by individuals of different parties.
e. the creation of new agencies must be approved by Congress.

Answer: A

Which statement best describes how the text of the Constitution addresses the issue of granting regulatory power to bureaucrats?

Which statement best describes how the text of the Constitution addresses the issue of granting regulatory power to bureaucrats?

a. It is silent on the matter.
b. It prohibits transfer of congressional power.
c. It allows transfer of congressional power with presidential approval.
d. It allows transfer of congressional power during a declared war.
e. It prohibits transfer of congressional power during a declared war.

Answer: A

When first established, the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, and Commerce had one thing in common:

When first established, the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, and Commerce had one thing in common:

a. their secretaries were not appointees.
b. they all sought to regulate their clienteles.
c. they were primarily service-oriented.
d. they all avoided contacts with the public.
e. they jealously guarded states' rights.

Answer: C

The dramatic increase in the number of federal employees from 1816 to 1861 was the direct result of

The dramatic increase in the number of federal employees from 1816 to 1861 was the direct result of

a. the need for Secret Service agents in the White House.
b. expansion in the size of congressional staff.
c. an increase in the demands on government, especially the Post Office.
d. the Hatch Act.
e. President Grant's concern over the Whiskey Ring scandal.

Answer: C

The basis of appointments to the bureaucracy during most of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century was

The basis of appointments to the bureaucracy during most of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century was

a. financial.
b. patronage.
c. nepotism.
d. technical expertise.
e. support for the president's policies.

Answer: B

The political ideology of a presidential appointee is important because she or he

The political ideology of a presidential appointee is important because she or he

a. must often work with radical groups.
b. affects how the laws are interpreted.
c. is usually bound by specific directives.
d. is aligned with congressional ideology.
e. typically has strong party ties.

Answer: B

Government by proxy is evident in the administration of

Government by proxy is evident in the administration of

a. Social Security.
b. Medicare.
c. environmental policy.
d. the collection of income taxes.
e. all of the above.

Answer: E

Government by proxy results when ________ are hired by federal bureaucrats to do work.

Government by proxy results when ________ are hired by federal bureaucrats to do work.

a. local governments
b. state governments
c. business firms
d. nonprofit organizations
e. all of the above

Answer: E

In contrast to the United States, public enterprises in France account for what percentage of all employment?

In contrast to the United States, public enterprises in France account for what percentage of all employment?

a. 1 percent
b. 3 percent
c. 6 percent
d. 12 percent
e. 20 percent

Answer: D

American bureaucracy is complex because

American bureaucracy is complex because

a. federalism encourages the abuse of power.
b. it is heavily dependent on career employees.
c. the Constitution determines its structure and function.
d. authority is divided among several managing institutions.
e. civil servants are immune from firing.

Answer: D

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

a. Sixteen persons have been impeached by the House.
b. Seven persons have been convicted by the Senate.
c. No federal judge has ever been removed by impeachment.
d. The impeachment case against Andrew Johnson was "flimsy."
e. Clinton's impeachment led to the expiration of the office of independent council.

Answer: C

A president suffers a stroke that leaves him or her partially paralyzed. The vice president, with the support of a majority of the cabinet, declares that the president is unable to discharge the duties of the office, but the president disagrees. What happens next?

A president suffers a stroke that leaves him or her partially paralyzed. The vice president, with the support of a majority of the cabinet, declares that the president is unable to discharge the duties of the office, but the president disagrees. What happens next?

a. Congress decides who is president.
b. Because the vice president has the support of a majority of the cabinet, the vice president assumes the presidency.
c. Because the president is still alive, he or she remains president.
d. Because the president and vice president disagree, a new election is held, allowing the people to decide who should be president.
e. The Supreme Court decides who is president.

Answer: A

One item on the presidential agenda for almost every president since Herbert Hoover has been

One item on the presidential agenda for almost every president since Herbert Hoover has been

a. reduction in the separation of powers
b. expanding legislative power
c. reforming the federal judiciary
d. lowering taxes.
e. reorganization of the executive branch.

Answer: E

The phrase "mend it but don't end it" was poll-tested by Bill Clinton for use in discussions concerning

The phrase "mend it but don't end it" was poll-tested by Bill Clinton for use in discussions concerning

a. affirmative action.
b. sexual harassment.
c. our relationship with Israel.
d. his relationship with Republicans after impeachment.
e. Social Security.

Answer: A

The text reports Bill Clinton actually used public opinion polls to determine

The text reports Bill Clinton actually used public opinion polls to determine

a. how to decorate the inside of the White House.
b. what to name his pets.
c. how he should answer the question of marijuana use.
d. what color his saxophone should be.
e. where he should go on vacation.

Answer: E

_______ was the last president not to use public opinion polls.

_______ was the last president not to use public opinion polls.

a. Woodrow Wilson
b. Herbert Hoover
c. John F. Kennedy
d. Franklin Roosevelt
e. Harry Truman

Answer: B

During an average year, Congress passes __________ bills.

During an average year, Congress passes __________ bills.

a. between 50 and 100
b. between 200 and 300
c. between 400 and 600
d. over one thousand
e. over six thousand

Answer: C

Which of the following factors is emphasized by the text as placing considerable constraint on a president's ability to plan a program?

Which of the following factors is emphasized by the text as placing considerable constraint on a president's ability to plan a program?

a. The president's personal ideology
b. The limits of the president's time and attention
c. The need to campaign
d. The leaders in his own party
e. The mass media

Answer: B

In Clinton v. Jones (1997) the Supreme Court ruled that the president can be sued

In Clinton v. Jones (1997) the Supreme Court ruled that the president can be sued

a. while in office.
b. for actions taken before he became president.
c. in state and federal court.
d. by non-U.S. citizens.
e. A and D.

Answer: B

The issue of executive privilege was not directly addressed by the Supreme Court until

The issue of executive privilege was not directly addressed by the Supreme Court until

a. John F. Kennedy was reported to have had dealings with organized crime.
b. Harry Truman refused to provide testimony in regard to some controversial last minute pardons.
c. George Bush interfered with Iran-Contra prosecutions.
d. Richard Nixon attempted to withhold tape recordings from a special prosecutor.
e. Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon.

Answer: D

The doctrine of executive privilege is based on separation of powers and on the

The doctrine of executive privilege is based on separation of powers and on the

a. constitutional requirements for secrecy.
b. War Powers Act.
c. president's need for confidential advice.
d. White House Sourcebook.
e. integrity of each branch of government.

Answer: C

Which statement best describes George W. Bush's use of the veto power?

Which statement best describes George W. Bush's use of the veto power?

a. He has used it about as much as most recent presidents.
b. He has used it more often than recent presidents.
c. He has used it slightly less than recent presidents.
d. He has hardly used the power at all.
e. He has vetoed more legislation than any modern president.

Answer: D

From George Washington to Bill Clinton, about ____ percent of over 2,500 presidential vetoes have been overridden.

From George Washington to Bill Clinton, about ____ percent of over 2,500 presidential vetoes have been overridden.

a. 4
b. 15
c. 20
d. 25
e. 30

Answer: A

Which of the following statements is true of a bill that is not signed or vetoed within ten days while Congress is still in session?

Which of the following statements is true of a bill that is not signed or vetoed within ten days while Congress is still in session?

a. It is considered to have received a pocket veto.
b. It is returned to Congress.
c. It must be given a veto message.
d. It becomes a law until the next session of Congress.
e. It becomes law automatically.

Answer: A

Once in office a president can expect to see his popularity

Once in office a president can expect to see his popularity

a. increase over time.
b. remain about the same.
c. fluctuate in a manner that admits of no generalization.
d. decline over time.
e. be dependent on the actions of Congress.

Answer: D

Which of the following statements about George W. Bush's approval ratings is incorrect?

Which of the following statements about George W. Bush's approval ratings is incorrect?

a. His initial ratings were comparable to those of President Clinton's in 1993.
b. His disapproval rating was the highest of any president since polling began.
c. His approval rating for the first six months was fairly typical for modern presidents.
d. His approval ratings after the September 11 attack were the highest ever recorded.
e. none of the above.

Answer: E

The personal popularity of the president affects which of the following most directly?

The personal popularity of the president affects which of the following most directly?

a. How Congress treats presidential legislative proposals
b. How members of the president's party do in House elections
c. How members of the president's party do in Senate elections
d. The president's ability to conduct foreign affairs
e. b and d

Answer: A

There is a noticeable decline in the number of __________ by recent presidents.

There is a noticeable decline in the number of __________ by recent presidents.

a. public appearances made
b. public speeches given
c. press conferences held
d. cabinet meetings called
e. State of the Union addresses given

Answer: C

Of the three audiences that the president confronts, the one that is most often important for maintaining and exercising power is

Of the three audiences that the president confronts, the one that is most often important for maintaining and exercising power is

a. other politicians and leaders in Washington.
b. the mass public throughout the nation.
c. party activists.
d. foreign leaders.
e. officeholders outside Washington.

Answer: A

In recent administrations there has been a tendency for presidents to place in their cabinet people known for their

In recent administrations there has been a tendency for presidents to place in their cabinet people known for their

a. independent political power.
b. personal wealth.
c. creativity.
d. loyalty to Congress.
e. expertise.

Answer: E

All of the following statements regarding "acting appointments" are correct except:

All of the following statements regarding "acting appointments" are correct except:

a. Such appointees hold office until the Senate acts on their nomination.
b. Such appointees have been known to hold office for months without confirmation.
c. Senators generally favor such appointees because of their heavy nomination workload.
d. Presidents see the allowance of such appointees as a necessity.
e. The existence of such appointees appears to be contrary to the Vacancies Act of 1868.

Answer: C

The main difference between a presidential agency and an independent agency is that heads of the former

The main difference between a presidential agency and an independent agency is that heads of the former

a. cannot have their salaries reduced.
b. serve at the president's discretion.
c. can only be removed "for cause."
d. cannot sponsor legislation.
e. serve at Congress's pleasure.

Answer: B

Which modern president is almost the only one given credit for coming close to making his cabinet a truly deliberative body?

Which modern president is almost the only one given credit for coming close to making his cabinet a truly deliberative body?

a. Harry Truman
b. Calvin Coolidge
c. John F. Kennedy
d. Dwight Eisenhower
e. Bill Clinton

Answer: D

The Office of Management and Budget both assembles the president's budget and

The Office of Management and Budget both assembles the president's budget and

a. manages the departments.
b. reviews departmental legislative proposals.
c. manages federal personnel.
d. organizes presidential cabinet meetings.
e. reviews the Senior Executive Service.

Answer: B

Which organizational structure lends itself to confusion and conflict?

Which organizational structure lends itself to confusion and conflict?

a. pyramid
b. circular
c. ad hoc
d. titular
e. vertical

Answer: B

Which organizational structure runs the risk of isolating or misinforming the president?

Which organizational structure runs the risk of isolating or misinforming the president?

a. pyramid
b. circular
c. ad hoc
d. titular
e. vertical

Answer: A

The text suggests that the ability of a presidential assistant to influence the president is governed by the rule of

The text suggests that the ability of a presidential assistant to influence the president is governed by the rule of

a. reason.
b. propinquity.
c. law.
d. integrity.
e. Congress.

Answer: B

The greatest source of presidential power is found in

The greatest source of presidential power is found in

a. the Constitution.
b. Congress.
c. public communication.
d. the bureaucracy.
e. politics and public opinion.

Answer: E

Which of the following presidential powers is not a shared power?

Which of the following presidential powers is not a shared power?

a. Treaty making
b. Appointment of ambassadors
c. Approval of legislation
d. The pardoning power
e. Appointment of judges and high officials

Answer: D

The elimination of the Electoral College might have the effect of

The elimination of the Electoral College might have the effect of

a. encouraging third parties.
b. reducing voter turnout.
c. increasing the importance of less populous states.
d. reducing the importance of independent candidates.
e. expediting the results of presidential elections.

Answer: A

Today, winning the presidency means a candidate must get ____ electoral votes.

Today, winning the presidency means a candidate must get ____ electoral votes.

a. 100
b. 170
c. 250
d. 270
e. 538

Answer: D

Which of the following actions did Abraham Lincoln take without prior congressional approval?

Which of the following actions did Abraham Lincoln take without prior congressional approval?

a. Raised an army.
b. Spent money.
c. Blockaded Southern ports.
d. Suspended habeas corpus.
e. all of the above.

Answer: E

Jackson's view of a strong and independent presidency

Jackson's view of a strong and independent presidency

a. was forsaken after two years in office.
b. has not been adopted by any other president.
c. was only adopted by Abraham Lincoln.
d. emerged as the norm a century later.
e. has been adopted by the Democratic Party.

Answer: D

Andrew Jackson's use of the veto power was conspicuous because

Andrew Jackson's use of the veto power was conspicuous because

a. he rarely used it.
b. he used it more than all of the presidents before him combined.
c. all of his vetoes were overridden.
d. he would not use the power unless he thought legislation was unconstitutional.
e. he would not use the veto simply because of a policy disagreement.

Answer: B

Establishing the legitimacy of the presidency in the early years was made easier by the fact that the national government

Establishing the legitimacy of the presidency in the early years was made easier by the fact that the national government

a. was both efficient and popular.
b. acted cautiously because it was in debt.
c. had relatively little to do.
d. kept the Treasury Department weak.
e. was dominated by one political faction.

Answer: C

Which amendment formally limited presidents to two terms?

Which amendment formally limited presidents to two terms?

a. 9th
b. 10th
c. 17th
d. 22nd
e. 26th

Answer: D

The Framers first considered having __________ select the president.

The Framers first considered having __________ select the president.

a. the Supreme Court
b. Congress
c. the state legislatures
d. the various governors
e. the large states

Answer: B

Who called for something like an elective monarchy here in the United States?

Who called for something like an elective monarchy here in the United States?

a. George Washington
b. John Adams
c. Thomas Jefferson
d. John Jay
e. Alexander Hamilton

Answer: E

The text suggests that policy gridlock is a necessary consequence of

The text suggests that policy gridlock is a necessary consequence of

a. representative democracy.
b. big government.
c. direct democracy.
d. divided government.
e. unified government.

Answer: A

Which of the following statements is true of U.S. presidents but not of British prime ministers?

Which of the following statements is true of U.S. presidents but not of British prime ministers?

a. Presidents and the legislature often work at cross-purposes.
b. Presidents are selected by the legislature.
c. Presidents have more strict control over members of their party.
d. Presidents are most often government insiders.
e. Presidents generally choose their cabinets from among members of Congress.

Answer: A

In a parliamentary system the prime minister is chosen by the

In a parliamentary system the prime minister is chosen by the

a. people.
b. signatories.
c. electors.
d. legislature.
e. monarch.

Answer: D