The Bureaucracy Practice Test

A cabinet department that relies mainly on annual appropriations and is directed by a secretary, focusing on broad policy rather than selling services.

An iron triangle partnership in which agencies, committees, and interest groups exchange support, functioning as a governance network rather than an agency type.

An independent regulatory commission that primarily writes industry-wide rules and adjudicates violations, usually led by a multi-member bipartisan board.

A government corporation that provides services and funds much of its work through fees or sales, blending public purpose with businesslike operations.

A congressional agency that drafts legislation and investigates executive misconduct, financed through the legislative branch and not by customer payments.