1. Ap u.s. government & politics
Friday, February 9, 2018

2. Unit 4 practice mc section

3. The federal bureaucracy
Intro and Structure

4. Bureaucracy
literally means “rule by desks”
government by clerks

5. Bureaucracy
Definition: an administrative system, especially in a government, that divides work into specific categories carried out by special departments of nonelected officials

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

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

8. The Federal Bureaucracy
What is the federal bureaucracy?
The Federal Bureaucracy

9. The Federal Bureaucracy is:
4 million employees; 2.8 million are civilians or “civil servants”
President only appoints 3% (patronage or political appointments)
15 cabinet level departments
200+ independent agencies with 2,000+ bureaus, divisions, branches, etc.
Biggest - Dept. of Defense, U.S. Postal Service, Veterans Administration

10. The Federal Bureaucracy
What does the federal bureaucracy do?
The Federal Bureaucracy

11. Functions of the Federal Bureaucracy
Implementation - carry out laws of Congress, executive orders of the President
Administration - routine administrative work; provide services (ex: SSA sends social security checks to beneficiaries)
Regulation - issue rules and regulations that impact the public (ex: EPA sets clean air standards)

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

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

14. Organization of the Federal Bureaucracy
Source: Brzovic/policeymakersChapters12-16/

15. The Cabinet Departments
The 15 cabinet departments headed by a cabinet secretary appointed by the president and approved by the Senate
Each department “expert” in specific policy area
Each department has numerous branches, sub-agencies, offices, etc.

16. Department of Homeland Security Note (1): Effective March 1st, 2003
Executive Secretary
Commandant of
Coast Guard (1)
Legislative Affairs
Secretary
Deputy Secretary
Inspector General
Public Affairs
General Counsel
State and Local Coordination
Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties
Citizenship & Immigration Service
Ombudsman (1)
Director, Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (1)
Special Assistant to the Secretary
(private sector)
Director of the
Secret Service (1)
National Capital Region Coordination
Small & Disadvantaged
Business
Privacy Officer
Chief of Staff
International Affairs
Shared Services
Counter Narcotics
Under Secretary
Management
Under Secretary
Science and Technology
Under Secretary Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection
Under Secretary
Border & Transportation Security
Under Secretary Emergency Preparedness and Response
Note (1): Effective March 1st, 2003

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

18. Independent Regulatory Commissions
IRCs perform a REGULATORY function
IRCs exist to regulate a specific economic activity or interest
Once appointed and seated, members cannot be removed without cause
Examples: FCC, Federal Reserve Board, EPA, CFPB

19. Government Corporations
Government owned businesses created by Congress
May or may not be profitable, but serve a public need
Provide a service, a la Independent Executive Agencies, but these agencies typically charge a fee for their service
Examples: U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak, Tennessee Valley Authority, Corporation for Public Broadcasting

20. Exit Ticket: Practice MCQ
In general, independent regulatory commissions are created primarily for the purpose of:
a. Supporting and helping cabinet‐level departments
b. Proposing policy alternatives during periods of crisis.
c. Regulating the activities of other bureaucratic agencies to ensure that they act in a fair and objective manner.
d. Regulating certain industries to protect the public interest.
e. Increasing the President’s patronage powers.

21. Homework
Chapter 14 Reading & Outline due Monday