Study Questions

  1. In what ways has the power of governors increased over the last one hundred years? Use specific examples.
  2. Discuss a governor's role as a state's chief legislator.
  3. How do governors control state agencies?
  4. How do formal powers differ from informal powers? What are five formal powers generally granted to governors? What are examples of informal powers?
  5. What are the roles of lieutenant governors and state attorneys general?
  6. What are the organizational characteristics associated with the bureaucracy?
  7. What is the public's perception of the bureaucracy?
  8. Discuss the bureaucracy as a policy implementer and policymaker; include a discussion of the street-level bureaucrat and the rulemaking function of the bureaucracy.
  9. Why do states differ in the size of their respective bureaucracies?
  10. Compare and contrast the spoils system with the merit system. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?