1. THE FEDERAL BUREACRACY
Examining the “Fourth Branch”

2. bureaucracy
literally means “rule by desks”
government by clerks

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

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

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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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)
Source:

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

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

12. Federal Bureaucracy Federal Bureaucracy President Congress Executive
Office
of the
President
(Ex: OMB, NSC)
Independent
Regulatory
Commissions
(Ex: FCC, SEC)
Cabinet
Departments
(Ex: State, Defense)
Independent
Executive
Agencies
(Ex: CIA, NASA)
Government Corporations
(Ex: Amtrack, Postal Service)

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

14. 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 its own budget
Department of Homeland Security, created in 2002, is newest department

15. 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

16. Independent Executive Agencies
Established by Congress with separate status outside the executive branch
Given a specific mandate and generally perform a service function, not a regulatory one.
Some examples include: Social Security Administration, CIA, NASA, EPA.

17. Independent Regulatory Commissions
IRCs exist to regulate a specific economic activity or interest such as the Federal Communications Commission (public air waves) or Federal Reserve Board (banking system, money supply)
IRCs operate independently from Congress and the President
Once appointed and seated, members cannot be removed without cause

18. Government Corporations
Government owned businesses created by Congress
May or may not be profitable, but serve a public need
Ex: U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak, Tennessee Valley Authority, Corporation for Public Broadcasting

19. Who works for the federal government?

20. Who are the “Bureaucrats?”
97% are career government employees
Only 10% live in the D.C. area
30% work for the D.O.D.
Less than 15% work for social welfare agencies
Most are white collar workers: secretaries, clerks, lawyers, inspectors & engineers
Civil employees more diverse demographically than Congress

21. Where do Federal Employees Work?
Source: Brzovic/policeymakersChapters12-16/

22. What Jobs Do Bureaucrats Do?
Source: Brzovic/policeymakersChapters12-16/

24. Who supervises the federal bureaucracy?

25. The President Supervises the Bureaucracy
The President can:
appoint & remove agency heads
reorganize the bureaucracy
issue executive orders
reduce an agency's budget
President Bush speaks about his budget priorities for FY 2007

26. Congress Oversees the Bureaucracy
Congress can:
create or abolish agencies & departments
cut or reduce funding
investigate agency activities
hold committee hearings
pass legislation that alters an agency's functions
influence or even fail to confirm presidential appointments
Former FEMA Chief Michael Brown testifies before
House committee investigating Hurricane Katrina

27. Federal Courts Check the Bureaucracy
Federal courts can:
through judicial review rule on whether the bureaucracy has acted within the law and the U.S. Constitution
provide due process for individuals affected by a bureaucratic action
Supreme Court of the United States

28. The Bureaucracy of Pizza

29. Thinking Critically
Why is the federal bureaucracy often referred to as “the fourth branch?”
Some critics believe that the real power in the federal government lies with the federal bureaucracy. To what extent do you believe this is true?

30. Title: The Damages of the Bureaucracy
Artist: unknown, La Presna, Panama
Date: May, 2006
Source:

31. Title: Federal Employees Self Esteem Class
Artist: Chip Bok
Date: unknown
Source:

32. Title: Another Layer of Bureaucracy
Artist: Bob Englehart, The Hartford Courant
Date: February, 2006
Source: :

33. Title: FEMA’s Follies Artist: Mike Keefe, The Denver Post
Date: April, 2006
Source: