 Why does Congress give federal agencies discretionary powers?  Congress lacks expertise.  Congress may not want to be blamed for bad policy.  Time consuming.  More efficient.

 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – clean water and air. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – TV, radio, telephone, etc. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  Federal Reserve Board – monetary policy. Federal Reserve Board  How does Congress make sure that agencies are following legislative intent? YOU KNOW THIS!

 Oversight  Budget  Hearings  Investigations  Changing Laws  Casework  Sunset Laws

REASONS FOR OVERSIGHT FAILURE  Oversight is labor intensive – need expertise.  Interest groups may encourage Congress to overlook things.  Iron Triangles may foster strong/loyal relationships. Iron Triangles

INDEPENDENCE OF THE BUREAUCRACY  Merit System  Merit System – hiring or promotion based on experience, testing, or qualifications (opposite spoils system).  Structure of the Bureaucracy that contributes to independence:  a.) Large – size contributes to bureaucracy acting on its own.  b.) Specialized – people without knowledge on issue makes it difficult to penetrate.  c.) Some positions come with tenure.  d.) Regulatory agencies (SEC) act independently through making sure rules are being followed.

 Complexity of Public Policy Problems that Contribute to Independence:  Specialization.  Delegating authority.  Discretionary authority CLICK.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS USED TO CHECK BUREAUCRACY  Congress  a.) Appropriations – can reward or punish through them.Appropriations  b.) Legislation – can be passed affecting bureaucracy.  c.) Rejection of Presidential appointments to bureaucracy.  d.) Impeachment of executive officials.  Courts  Court rulings can limit bureaucracy – judicial review.  Interest Groups  Lobbying.  Protests.  Media Use.  General Speech.

 Government by Proxy – federal government pays state and local governments as well as private groups to staff and administer federal programs.  Ex: US sues contractor over troop trailers in Iraq. Ex: US sues contractor over troop trailers in Iraq.  Competitive Service – government offices people are appointed to based on merit.appointed

 Trust Funds – programs paid for outside the federal budget. Ex: SSA.  Committee Clearance – the ability of a congressional committee to review agency decisions in advance without passing a law.the We would like to provide coffee to storm victims… I’LL DISCUSS THAT WITH COMMITTEE.