Discuss three major sources of bureaucratic power.
What will be an ideal response?
The three sources of bureaucratic power are expertise, client groups, and friends in high places. A first major source of bureaucratic power is expertise. Since most of the problems that the federal government confronts do not lend themselves to simple solutions, expert knowledge is essential in addressing them. Much of the expertise is held by bureaucrats. The second main source is the support of clientele groups; they are special interests that benefit directly from an agency's programs and thus have a vested interest in supporting it. Such groups place pressure on Congress and the president to retain the programs that benefit them. The third source is having friends in high places-the president and Congress. Both need the resources and expertise of the bureaucracy to achieve their goals, just as the bureaucracy needs their political support to attain its goals.
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Since Roe v. Wade, pro-life advocates have moved from pressuring Congress to pass restrictions on abortion rights to focusing on state legislatures, where they have had more success. This strategy is an example of _____.
a. competitive federalism b. venue shopping c. new federalism d. crosscutting pressure
Who calls special legislative sessions in Texas?
a) The legislature calls itself into special session by majority vote. b) Either the speaker, lieutenant governor, or the governor may call a special session. c) Either the speaker and lieutenant governor together, or the governor individually may call a special session. d) The U.S. Congress can call state legislatures into special sessions. e) Only the governor can call a special session.
Which of the following describes the impact of Marbury v. Madison?
a. It did not immediately strengthen the Court’s power in its relations with the President or Congress. b. It was dramatic and immediate, as the Court declared over one hundred federal laws unconstitutional within a few years of the decision. c. It was short-lived, as Congress passed legislation repealing the Judiciary Act of 1801 and with it the power of judicial review. d. It was institutionalized with the passage of the Twelfth Amendment.
Why were the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention kept secret?
a. to make it difficult for delegates to change their minds after debate and discussion b. to encourage delegates to speak freely c. so that opponents of the convention wouldn't have easy arguments against decisions made at the convention d. so that foreign leaders wouldn't sabotage the convention