The Bureaucracy

What is a bureaucracy?  Bureau – (Fr.) desk, also office (rule by people at desks)  Form of government that operates through impersonal, uniform rules and procedures  Includes agencies, departments, & commissions within executive branch  2.7 million bureaucrats work for the federal government; another 1.4 million serve in armed forces  Federal agencies are created/abolished by Congress  Members of Congress are prohibited from serving in any executive branch positions  In theory – a pyramid hierarchy with President at the top of the chain of command  In reality – difficult to manage because of size; duplication among departments creates confusion/inconsistency

Structure of the Bureaucracy  Executive Office of the President closest advisors and staff  Executive Branch Departments (Cabinet) largest federal organization and have broadest missions, highest rank in hierarchy (leaders require Senate Confirmation) 15 departments and 6 others with “Cabinet rank” Employ 70% of civil servants; spend 93% of federal $ Contain many agencies within them  Independent agencies focused on specific responsibilities free from control by legislative, executive, and judicial branches – but must report to President organized much like Cabinet but lack “Cabinet rank” (NASA, EPA)

Structure of the Bureaucracy  Independent regulatory commissions created by Congress to regulate important aspects of the nation have quasi-legislative power – do not report to the President Federal Reserve Board, FCC, FEC, SEC huge impact on daily life Commissioners are appointed by president (confirmed by Senate) for fixed terms and can’t be removed unless a specific reason is given

Structure of the Bureaucracy  Government corporations Operate like private business Have more freedom than traditional government departments & agencies Have greater control over the hiring and firing of employees; can make money through the sale of goods and services created by Congress to carry out various business operations (Postal Service, Amtrak)

Evolution of the Bureaucracy  Started small – Departments of State, Treasury, and War; Post Office Department & Justice Department quickly followed  Jefferson had fewer than 2000 people in bureaucracy  As nation grew, new services needed to be provided to the citizenry (education, defense, technology, welfare)  Jackson introduced spoils system to fill federal jobs – led to patronage and corruption  Pendleton Act (1883) – civil service system created to avoid corruption (exam and merit based)  Today the Office of Personnel Management administers civil service laws, rules, & regulations  90% of all federal workers are civil service workers  Hatch Act (1939) – bans federal employees from active participation in certain political activities; revised in 1993

Bureaucracy’s Job  Execute or implement the laws of the land (convert law into action)  Administrative discretion – authority given by Congress to the bureaucracy to use reasonable judgment in implementing the laws  How do they implement? Set regulations – what they can/can’t do as well as what they must do Spend money – federal $$ goes to the dictated areas; most goes toward uncontrollable spending – entitlements & required spending (Social Security, interest on debt)

Accountability  Presidential control Reorganization & budgeting 4000 appointments (only some have to be confirmed) Oversight  Congressional control Establishment Approving budgets/appropriating funds Confirming appointments Authorizing new programs/shifts in direction Investigations and hearings Oversight

Love-Hate Relationship  Hate Red tape – nothing gets done quickly because too many people/agencies involved Wasteful & inefficient – money is spent just to ensure that the budget is bigger next year Bureaucrats only care about job security and are not held to the same private standards Public opinion: government creates more problems than it solves (93% of Americans in 2003) Lack motivation and imagination to solve problems

Love-Hate Relationship  Love Numerous positive effects Wants the government to fulfill certain needs Government can be called on in times of disaster