Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byBrian Ellis Modified over 8 years ago
1
What you need to be able to do after teaching yourself this info... Explain two reasons why Congress gives federal agencies policy-making discretion in executing federal laws. Describe two ways in which Congress ensures that federal agencies follow legislative intent. Give two specific explanations for the failure of Congress to exercise effective oversight of the federal bureaucracy
2
Perceptions of the Bureaucracy? Inefficient Massive and growing Wasteful
3
The Federal Bureaucracy
4
What is the Bureaucracy? Bureaucracy (Bureau = desk, cracy = governmental rule) Large, complex administrative structure Hierarchical organization Job specialization and complex rules A bureaucrat is a person with defined roles in a bureaucracy
5
I. Major Elements of the Federal Bureaucracy Nearly all of Federal Bureaucracy resides in the executive branch Consists of 3 groups of administrative agencies: Executive Office of the President The Cabinet Independent Agencies
6
I. Major Elements of the Federal Bureaucracy The President’s ‘Administration’ consists of the officials and agencies of the executive branch that carry out public policy Public policy carried out in the following ways: By writing rules and regulations Administrative Discretion By enforcing such rules, regulations, and laws Street Level Bureaucrats
7
II. Working for the Bureaucracy Approximately 4 million federal bureaucrats Originally appointed through the spoils system and patronage Pendleton Act (1883) competitive examinations Civil Service Exam Salaries are proposed by Civil Service System – approved by Congress
8
II. Working for the Bureaucracy Hatch Act (1939) – amended in 1993 Prohibits civil servants from active participation in partisan politics May still vote, contribute to campaigns, etc. Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 Creation of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) The Plum Book
9
III. Formal Organization The Cabinet Head of each department is known as “Secretary” – except Dept. of Justice (Attorney General) Divided into bureaus, divisions, etc. Transportation Security Agency Dept. of Homeland Security Government Corporations Businesses established by Congress provide services normally handled in private sector Top officers appointed by POTUS All employees are public officials U.S. Postal Service
10
III. Formal Organization Independent Executive Agencies Exist outside of executive departments SUPPOSED to be free from political influence National Science Foundation,NASA, Peace Corps Independent Regulatory Commissions Regulate a specific economic activity or interest operate outside of presidential control EPA, Federal Reserve Board, Federal Communications Commission, National Labor Relations Board, etc.
11
IV. How the Bureaucracy Works Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)…often labeled ‘red tape’. Administrative Discretion right to choose response a given problem
12
IV. How the Bureaucracy Works Responsible for Regulation Authority to change or control practices in the private sector (Business/Economy) Rule-Making quasi-legislative process that has characteristics of a law Interstate Commerce Commission, NHTSA (car safety standards), factory emissions standards, etc. Deregulation Lifting of government regulations (rules)
13
IV. How the Bureaucracy Works Making it Work Iron Triangles (pg. 498) bureaucratic agency, interest groups, and congressional committees Issue Networks wider groups that have issue interests, challenge the workings of triangles and can change them, open them
14
V. Bureaucratic Accountability Presidential Checks Appoint heads of departments Have the power to reorganize agency (w/Congressional approval) Issue Executive Orders Rules or regulations written by the POTUS with the effect of law Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Executive “watchdog” of the bureaucracy and its budget
15
V. Bureaucratic Accountability Congressional Checks “Power of the Purse” ‘Police Patrol’ oversight v. ‘Fire Alarm’ oversight Setting agenda of the bureaucracy v. reacting to constituent complaints (proactive vs. reactive) Government Accountability Office (GAO) Created to track monies spent by the bureaucracy AND the executive Judicial Checks Issue injunctions restricting activity of bureaucratic agencies Rule on the constitutionality of rules and guidelines of bureaucracy
16
Can you do this? Explain two reasons why Congress gives federal agencies policy-making discretion in executing federal laws. Describe two ways in which Congress ensures that federal agencies follow legislative intent. Give two specific explanations for the failure of Congress to exercise effective oversight of the federal bureaucracy
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.