State and Local Gov Chapter 8

appointment powers

A governor's ability to pick individuals to run the state government, such as cabinet secretaries.

supermajority vote

A legislative vote of much more than a simple majority, for instance, a vote by two-thirds of a legislative chamber to override a governor's veto.

street-level bureaucrat

A lower-level public agency employee who actually carries out the actions that represent law or policy.

impeachment

A process by which the legislature can remove executive branch officials, such as the governor, or judges from offices for corruption or other reasons.

collective bargaining

A process in which representatives of labor and management meet to negotiate pay and benefits, job responsibilities, and working conditions.

recall election

A special election allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of his or her term.

merit system

A system used in public agencies in which employment and promotion are based on qualifications and demonstrated ability; such a system blends very well with the organizational characteristics of bureaucracy.

bureaucrats

Employees of public agencies.

contracting out

Government hiring of private or nonprofit organizations to deliver public goods or services.

bureaucracy

Public agencies and the programs and services they implement and manage.

neutral competence

The idea that public agencies should be the impartial implementers of democratic decisions.

seniority

The length of time a worker has spent in a position.

bully pulpit

The platform from which a high-profile public official, such as a governor or president, commands considerable public and media attention by virtue of holding office.

veto

The power to reject a proposed law.

formal powers

The powers explicitly granted to a governor according to state law, such as being able to veto legislation and to appoint heads of state agencies.

rulemaking

The process of translating laws into written instructions on what public agencies will or will not do.

policy implementation

The process of translating the express wishes of government into action.

professionalization

The rewarding of jobs in a bureaucratic agency based on applicants' specific qualifications and merit.

informal powers

The things a governor is able to do, such as command media attention and persuade party members, based on personality or position, not on formal authority.