Growth & Controlling the BU Unit 4 Institutions

What does the BU actually do? An example to analyze Issue: Should internet access be open to the public? Should ISP (Internet Service Providers) companies have a big influence on cost and access? This is the question of what is called “Net Neutrality” Here’s a video clip of recent FCC regulations and decisions on Net Neutrality: Net Neutrality FCC Regulations

I. Development of Civil Service System

Spoils System Pendleton Act (1881) Today > 90% of federal employees are civil service workers Well under 10% of top level federal jobs are still filled by presidential appointment. People in this category are known as political appointees

II. Size 3 million civilian federal employees Number has been fairly consistent since 1950. 250,000 jobs cut under Clinton *More in the last few years due to government shutdown(s) C. TWO perspectives on size of BU Efficiency of the BU Transfer of federal $ and responsibilities to state and local govts

III. Power of BU: cannot be measured in the number of bureaucrats alone Discretionary authority   Passing rules and regulations- i.e. OSHA workplace regulations, IRS tax codes (all 7500 pages of them) Drafting legislation Advice to the White House Settling disputes

IV. Reasons for growth of power of BU

National growth Technology (e.g. FAA, FCC) International crises Gov’t assumption of national welfare Persistent nature of agencies to survive

V. Controlling (Checks & Balances)

A. Presidential Influences 1. Powers 2. Checks on presidential influences

B. Congressional Influences 1. Powers 2. Limits on Congressional Influence: Congress may not really want to clamp down on the BU

C. Interest Group Influence 1.Lobbying 2. “Revolving Door” 3. Client groups: (e.g. dairy groups and Dept of Agriculture) 4. Iron Triangles/issue networks/policy networks: Congressional committee, relevant agency, related interest groups 5. Issue networks and policy networks

VI. Types of Agencies & Commissions Independent Agencies Independent Regulatory Commissions Government Corporations

A. Independent Agencies 1.Organization 2. Examples- NASA, FBI, CIA, EPA

B. Independent Regulatory Commissions 1.Created by Congress 2. Decision making power Commissioner terms Majority party Staggered terms Commissioners removal 3. Quasi Legislative Powers  “policy implementation”

5. Some important regulatory commissions: 4. Quasi Judicial Powers 5. Some important regulatory commissions: Federal Reserve Board FCC FEC NLRB SEC FTC

C. Government Corporations 1. Created by Congress to carry out various business operations 2. Examples; Postal Service, FDIC, TVA