Some federal agencies do not have high cabinet-level status but they do report directly to the president. Such agencies, which include NASA and the Small Business Administration, are __________________

An initial consequence to the patronage system was to make the American bureaucracy ______.

a. more impartial, neutral, and driven by standard operating procedures and technical expertise b. more independent from the legislature with regard to individual merit and qualifications c. less dependent on the president with regard to who is chosen and the position they received d. more partisan based, particularly with the appointment of members of the president’s party

Why does dealing with the policy challenges of Medicare and Social Security create a prisoner's dilemma?

A. The benefits awarded by these programs are not regulated in any way, so seniors consume a large share of the federal economy. B. The transaction costs of reaching a deal are high because there are so many actors who will want to be involved. C. Finding a focal point to start the discussions is a very real challenge and with neither side knowing where to start the conversation. D. Each side knows that they could benefit from reaching a landmark entitlement reform deal if they could just trust the other side to cooperate.