Study Questions

  1. What is the bureaucracy?
  2. What are the organizational characteristics associated with the bureaucracy?
  3. What is the public's perception of the bureaucracy?
  4. Discuss the bureaucracy as a policy implementer and policymaker; include a discussion of the street-level bureaucrat and the rule-making function of the bureaucracy.
  5. Why do states differ in the size of their respective bureaucracies?
  6. Compare and contrast the spoils system with the merit system.
  7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the merit system?