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Appropriation
A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency.
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Authorizing Legislation
Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency. Authorizations may be annual, multiyear, or permanent.
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Bureaucracy
A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials.
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Committee Clearance
The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance and without passing a law.
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Competitive Service
The government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit as ascertained by a written examination or by meeting certain selection criteria such as training or educational attainments.
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Discretionary Authority
The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies that are not spelled out in advance by laws.
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Iron Triangle
A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.
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Issue Network
A network of people in Washington D.C. based in interest groups, on congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media who regularly discuss and advocate public policies.
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Laissez-faire
An economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce.
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Legislative Veto
The register of a presidential or administrative agency action by a vote of one or both houses of Congress without the consent of the president. In 1983 the Supreme Court declared practice to be unconstitutional.
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Red Tape
Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done.
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Trust Funds
Funds for government programs that are collected and spent outside the regular government budget.
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