AP U.S. Government Chapter 13 The Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy Defined Purpose a large organization that is structured hierarchically to carry out specific functions Purpose the efficient administration of rules, regulations and policies

Models of bureaucracy 1. Weberian 2. Acquisitive 3. Monopolistic Hierarchy-> power flows from top down Specialization-> expertise Rules and regulations->all treated by same based rules Neutrality-> without bias 2. Acquisitive Decisions are made for the needs of top bureaucrats ->protecting the “turf” 3. Monopolistic Sole provider of a service-> without competition, no incentive to be efficient

Bureaucratic organization Bureaucrats- civil servants, people who work for federal departments and agencies to carry on the daily business of government Cabinet Departments- 15 departments, two most important-> State and Treasury, President appoints Secretaries with Senate approval

Selected Independent Establishments and Government Corporations: Independent Agencies- not a part of cabinet departments, but perform services for the executive branch. President appoints heads of agencies (ex: NASA) Government Corporations- businesses the Federal government runs (ex: TVA, FDIC, USPS)   Regulatory Commissions- independent of the national government. Commissioners appointed by President with Senate consent. Make rules for large industries and businesses that affect the interests of the public (ex: SEC)

Civil Service System The principle and practice of government employment on the basis of open, competitive examinations and merit (Pendleton Act) civil Service commission operated for 95 years. In 1979 two agencies replace it: 1. The Office of Personnel Management- handles recruitment, pay, retirement policy, and examinations 2. The Merit System Protection Board- settles job disputes and investigates complaints from federal workers

Bureaucratic reform Sunshine Laws- Sessions in public Sunset Laws 1996 Freedom of Information Act (After 9/11 limit disclosure of any info that might be used by terrorists) Sunset Laws Congressional review of programs to determine effectiveness Privatization Gov’t contracts with private sector if services can be provided more efficiently

Reform continued Gov’t Performance and Results Act 1997 E-Gov’t Goals and evaluations E-Gov’t Direct communication and information Whistle Blower’s Protection Act 1989 Report waste or fraud

Bureaucrats as Politicians and Policy makers Congress makes the laws, Executive Branch enforces and administers the laws It is rare that laws are so precise that there is no room for interpretation and application Bureaucracy must make policy decisions

Continued Rulemaking Federal Register- publishes proposed rules Waiting periods- 60 days before rule takes effect Negotiated Rulemaking Act 1990 (to reduce court cases challenging decisions)

Iron Triangle 3 way alliance among legislators, bureaucrats, and interest groups to make or preserve policies that benefit their respective interests… they cooperate and work together to make public policy Critics believe that iron triangles allow interest groups undue influence in public policy. Because these sub-governments operate outside the control of the executive branch, Congress has been urged to pass laws regulating interest groups that support iron triangles

Issue Networks Legislators, interest groups, bureaucrats, scholars and experts, and members of the media who share a position on a given issue may attempt to exert influence on the executive branch, on Congress, on the Courts or on the media to see their policy position enacted-> political conflict

Iron triangle Interest group- http://www.fb.org/ http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=newsroom.news&year=2013&file=nr1029.html AFBF lobbies for Farm Bill Opposition- http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/17/opposition-to-house-farm-bill-spans-political-spectrum/?_r=0 Congress- http://www.ag.senate.gov/hearings/2013-farm-bill-conference-meeting Congressional Committees meet http://www.agriculture.senate.gov/ Pres. Obama signs bill Bureaucratic agency http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/2014-farm-bill-implementation Dept. of Agric. Implements policy Next? http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=newsroom.news&year=2014&file=nr0506.html AFBF Interest group- how farm bill works

2nd example http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-endangered-species-act\ ESA defined http://utah.sierraclub.org/content/grey-wolf-de-listing-and-re-introducion Interest group http://e360.yale.edu/feature/should_wolves_stay_protected_under_endangered_species_act/2674/ Question?

Conclusion Ultimate control of the Bureaucracy is in the hands of Congress -> controls the purse strings, establishes budget process, establishes agency and department oversight

Reading Introduction: With the exception of those executive departments all governments need, such as State, Treasury, and Defense, private-sector political demands have led to the creation of American bureaucracy. In response Congress has over the years created more and more departments and agencies to solve economic, political and social problems…

Woll p. 356, Rise of the Bureaucratic State The Bureaucracy problem- Size Political authority- Political power incr. Bureaucracy and size- Examples A military-industrial complex- Largest employer Bureaucracy and clientelism- Economic groups Public power and private interest- New Deal Prog. Cooperative federalism- Marble cake? Self-perpetuating agencies- Vs. New agencies