THE FEDERAL BUREACRACY Examining the “Fourth Branch”

Characteristics of a Bureaucracy administration of government through departments consists of unelected often highly trained professionals task specialization hierarchical authority

Public Perceptions of Bureaucracies impersonal inclined to follow rigid or complex procedures may stifle effectiveness and innovation “red tape”

The Federal Bureaucracy How is the federal bureaucracy organized? The Federal Bureaucracy

The Federal Bureaucracy Consists of Cabinet Departments Independent Executive Agencies Independent Regulatory Commissions Government Corporations

Federal Bureaucracy – Simplified President Congress Executive Office of the President (Ex: OMB, NSC) Independent Regulatory Commissions (Ex: FCC, SEC) Cabinet Departments (Ex: State, Defense) Independent Executive Agencies (Ex: CIA, NASA) Government Corporations (Ex: Amtrack, Postal Service)

Organization of the Federal Bureaucracy Source: www.edmonds.wednet.edu/mths/ClassActivities/ Brzovic/policeymakersChapters12-16/

The Federal Bureaucracy: Organization and Key Functions Cabinet Departments There are 15 cabinet departments Exception of Justice (headed by the Attorney General), each department is headed by a secretary All 15 heads are chosen by the president and approved by the Senate Treasury Department has authority over the printing of currency Cabinet secretaries often develop a strong loyalty to their departments Cabinet members are often not close presidential advisors

Independent Executive Agencies Established by Congress with separate status outside the executive branch Given a specific mandate and generally perform a service function, not a regulatory one. Some examples include: Social Security Administration, CIA, NASA, EPA.

Independent Regulatory Commissions Created to protect the public by regulating a key, specific economic activity or interest Examples: Federal Communications Commission (public air waves) Federal Reserve Board (banking system, money supply) Securities & Exchange Commission (stock market) Interstate Commerce Commission (business) National Labor Relations Board IRCs operate independently from Congress and the President Lead by small commissions – appointed by POTUS, confirmed by Senate Once appointed and seated, members cannot be removed without cause

Government Corporations Government owned businesses created by Congress May or may not be profitable, but serve a public need Ex: U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak, Tennessee Valley Authority, Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Who works for the federal government?

Who are the “Bureaucrats?” 4.1 million employees (~2.6 million civilian) 97% are career government employees Only 97% work in the D.C. area 30% work for the D.O.D. Less than 15% work for social welfare agencies Most (90.77%) are white collar workers: secretaries, clerks, lawyers, inspectors & engineers Civil employees more diverse demographically than Congress

Where do Federal Employees Work?

What Jobs Do Bureaucrats Do?

Who are the “Bureaucrats?” Average Age: 47.5 yrs Length of Service: 13.51 years Education: 51.74% have BS or higher Gender: 56.6% male, 43.4% female Race: 18.15% Black, 8.75% Hispanic, 5.99% Asian, 0.51% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, 1.69% Native American Disability Status: 9.93% w/ disabilities Avg Salary: $84,913 annually

Who supervises the federal bureaucracy?

The President Supervises the Bureaucracy The President can: appoint & remove agency heads reorganize the bureaucracy issue executive orders reduce an agency's budget President Bush speaks about his budget priorities for FY 2007

Congress Oversees the Bureaucracy Congress can: create or abolish agencies & departments cut or reduce funding investigate agency activities hold committee hearings pass legislation that alters an agency's functions influence or even fail to confirm presidential appointments Former FEMA Chief Michael Brown testifies before House committee investigating Hurricane Katrina

Federal Courts Check the Bureaucracy Federal courts can: through judicial review rule on whether the bureaucracy has acted within the law and the U.S. Constitution provide due process for individuals affected by a bureaucratic action Supreme Court of the United States