Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The learning, compliance, and psychological costs imposed on individuals or organizations by government regulations and procedures.

The flexibility granted to bureaucrats in interpreting and applying laws and regulations when implementing policy.

Administrative law governs the activities and decisions of government agencies to ensure legality and fairness.

An official who presides over disputes involving administrative agencies, making legally binding decisions.

Legislation that governs the process by which federal agencies develop and issue regulations, ensuring transparency and public participation.

A specialized quasi-judicial body that resolves disputes involving administrative law and government agencies.

Administrative tribunals are specialized quasi-judicial bodies that resolve disputes involving government agencies or regulatory matters outside the regular court system. They provide quicker, specialized decisions.

A system of government officials and agencies responsible for implementing laws and policies through organized procedures.

Mechanisms that ensure government officials and agencies are responsible for their actions and decisions.

Bureaucratic discretion allows public administrators to interpret and implement laws flexibly within their authority.

The tendency of bureaucratic agencies to implement policies in ways that deviate from the original legislative intent over time. It can result from agency discretion and changing priorities.

Common dysfunctions within bureaucracies, such as red tape, conflict, duplication, and waste, that hinder effective public administration.

The civil service is a professional body of government employees who implement public policies and programs.

A competitive test used to select candidates for government employment based on merit rather than political connections.

A recruitment and promotion system for government employees based on qualifications and performance rather than political connections.

Efforts to improve the efficiency, accountability, and professionalism of government employees by changing hiring and management practices.

The power granted by a higher authority to a subordinate to carry out specific tasks or make decisions within defined limits.

Rules or laws made by an individual or body other than the legislature, under powers given by an Act of Parliament.

The Government Accountability Office is an independent agency that audits and evaluates government programs to ensure efficient use of public funds.

A policy-making approach where changes occur through small, gradual adjustments rather than large shifts.

The collaboration among different government agencies to achieve common policy goals or implement programs efficiently. It addresses overlapping responsibilities and reduces duplication.

A stable, mutually beneficial relationship among bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and legislative committees that shapes policy outcomes.

A letter from a government leader outlining priorities and expectations for ministers or officials.

The process by which the government takes control of private assets or industries for public ownership.

A public administration approach emphasizing efficiency, performance measurement, and market-based management techniques.

A management approach emphasizing serving citizens and democratic values over traditional bureaucratic efficiency.

A governance principle promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in government activities.

A formal meeting held by a legislative committee to review and monitor government operations.

A government-owned corporation or agency that undertakes commercial activities on behalf of the state.

The stage in the policy cycle where adopted policies are put into action by government agencies.

The difference between the goals of a policy as designed and the outcomes achieved during its execution.

A conflict that arises when an agent (such as a bureaucrat) has different interests than the principal (such as elected officials).

An organization that has some governmental powers and responsibilities but operates independently from direct government control. These agencies often perform public functions while enjoying operational flexibility.

An organization that has some governmental powers and responsibilities but operates independently from direct government control.

An administrative agency or body that has powers resembling those of a court to make decisions or judgments.

Activities carried out by administrative agencies that involve applying rules to specific cases, similar to judicial proceedings but within an executive or administrative context.

Authorities granted to administrative agencies to conduct hearings and make decisions similar to courts. These powers enable agencies to enforce regulations and adjudicate disputes within their jurisdiction.

A process where administrative agencies make decisions that have legal effects similar to court judgments, including hearings and evidence evaluation.

Authority granted to administrative agencies to create rules and regulations that have the force of law within their areas of jurisdiction.

A regulatory agency enforces rules and standards to control specific industries or activities for public interest.

A situation where regulatory agencies advance the commercial or political concerns of special interest groups that dominate the industry they regulate.

The adherence by individuals or organizations to rules and standards set by regulatory agencies to ensure lawful conduct.

An assessment of the expected effects, costs, and benefits of a proposed regulation.

A systematic evaluation of the potential effects of a proposed regulation before it is implemented.

A document analyzing the potential effects, costs, and benefits of a proposed regulation before it is adopted.

The movement of personnel between roles as legislators or regulators and positions in industries affected by the legislation or regulation.

A periodic evaluation process to determine whether a government program or agency should continue, be modified, or terminated.

The ability of citizens and civil society to hold government officials accountable through elections and public participation.