Two types of government workers – Bureaucracy Two types of government workers – CAREER CIVIL SERVANTS POLITICAL APPOINTEES
Classic definition of bureaucracy MAX WEBER- 1. fixed jurisdictional areas 2. Hierarchy of authority 3. Written documents and general rules 4. Expertise
Main problems with bureaucracies Accountability – not elected Expansionary tendencies Bureaucratic discretion One issue: Americans want bureaucracy to achieve sometimes conflicting goals: Accountability, equity, responsiveness, efficiency, fiscal integrity
Defense of bureaucrats “Red tape” – meaning words, procedures, obstacles to getting things done. But this serves a purpose… Bur. Procedures so cumbersome because Americans value fairness and due process of law – Administrative Procedures Act 1946 requires bureaucracies to make all regulations public, must hold hearings before setting new rules, must allow interested/affected parties to participate in the rule making process, must permit appeal of agency actions.
Reforms of bureaucracy Deregulation Privatization