How are national laws administered in the American Constitutional System? Lesson 24

Bureaucracy The general set-up of government Bureaucracy refers to the actions of committees, agencies, and leaders. This includes the rules and regulations they must follow in the process of carrying out their duties. Sometimes referred to as the step by step process someone has to take Red Tape: Excessive regulation

Executive Department The President’s cabinet consists of 15 different departments. The leader of each department reports directly to the President. Departments have been created as issues have arisen in the country. WWII = Department of Defense Each department focuses on a specific topic, and handles that situation

Departments In order of creation: State Treasury Interior Justice Agriculture Commerce Labor Defense Housing and Urban Development Transportation Energy Education Health and Human Services Veteran’s Affairs Homeland Security

Executive Office of the President Created during Roosevelt’s time Is there to help the president run the country more efficiently Many see these offices in a negative way, because they feel that the president uses the offices to have more control over the country

Independent Agencies Independent agencies are “quasi” in the sense that they have partial powers like the national government. They can create regulations for their particular area. Interstate commerce commission FBI U.S. Postal Service

Organizations Are created so vague laws can be administered in specific situations Organizations have the “quasi” powers to help them regulate Quasi-legislative: The ability to create more specific laws for their specific organization Quasi-Judicial: Can hold hearings for those issues within their jurisdiction O.S.H.A. can hold hearing on worker’s safety

Staff The vast majority of administrative civilian employees are selected through a civil service program A system that runs on merit Some agency jobs are given on patronage (rewarding supporters by giving them permanent jobs in the civil service The government is the largest employer in the United States. There are roughly 2,500 agencies.

Checks on agencies By the President: President will appoint people based on their loyalty. President can also give executive orders which give specific instructions to department heads By Congress: Can consolidate, create, and eliminate agencies. By Courts: determine if agencies are following due process (14th Amendment)

Checks on agencies By Federalist system (Federalism): States can go their own route when acting on situations. Citizens, interest groups, and the media: Can voice complaints, and alert the public