Bureaucracy Objective: Assess two competing theories of outside influence on the bureaucracy, and draw conclusions as to which is more applicable. Constraints? Shared Authority Public notice & hearings Open Meeting FOIA Environmental Privacy Civil Rights Bidding / Prevailing Wage Unions

The Bureaucracy Large, complex, many managers Character today shaped by Depression and WWII Power depends on “discretionary authority” Culture & Change

Outside Influences on the Bureaucracy President and Congress: overlap in Appointments and Oversight Two Theories of Influence: 1) Iron Triangle: a close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group; it is often a mutually advantageous alliance Could hurt democratic process –attention paid to $ or powerful special interests –less attention to general public interests / citizen apathy or distrust 2) Issue Network: Contentious and ideologically split Networks consist of interest groups, congressional staffs, universities, think tanks, members of the media

IRON TRIANGLE Congressional Committee Needs info, votes, campaign contributions Executive Agency Needs political support, appropriations, and info Interest Group Offers political support & $ to appointees & elected officials Needs laws and regulations benefiting members

ACTIVITY Skim Articles Which theory does each article demonstrate, in your opinion? Brainstorm with group: Come up with an example to fit each theory –Use chapter examples, or knowledge of current events Which theory is more applicable today, in your opinion?

CLOSURE Most persuasive argument you heard today?

Essay Questions Iron Triangles (Perfect score) –1) DEFINES Iron Triangle: a close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group that often becomes a mutually advantageous alliance –2) Relates it to agriculture: How Key players interact –3) Impact on democratic process

Essay Question continued... 2) Relate it to agriculture: How key players interact: –Try hypothetical example (if no actual one) –Dept. Agric. - regulates agriculture & enforces law (also FDA, EPA): strict/lenient inspections –Agriculture Committee Both consult w/interest groups b/f change reg’s or leg. –Interest Group Lobbyists - (farmers, workers, ind.) provide info or testimony on legislation or reg’s political support (for actions or individuals) subsidies - tobacco, mohair, dairy, etc.

3) Impact of Iron Triangle on Democratic Process Direct influence on public policy (legislation and executive enforcement) Former govt. officials often b/cm lobbyists Client politics –farmers defeat effort to decrease pesticide use –no labeling of bovine growth hormone Could hurt democratic process –attention paid to $ or powerful special interests –less attention to general public (voter apathy?)