1. The Federal Bureaucracy

2. I. The Fourth Branch of Government
A. The Bureaucracy is necessary because the nation faces too many problems and challenges for Congress to face alone. B. In recent times the Bureaucracy has expanded in size and power.

3. II. The Cabinet
Manages specific policy areas, each has it own budget and staff.
Cabinet members are not involved in most daily decisions made by the president.

4. III. Independent Executive Agencies
They are independent because they do not report to an executive department (cabinet secretary).
Usually created to promote new initiatives that demand quick action.
C. The President appoints department heads who are confirmed by the Senate and may be removed by the president.
Examples: NASA, EPA, Social Security Administration

5. IV. Independent Regulatory Commissions/Agencies
A. These agencies are mostly independent from the executive branch and have both quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers
1.Quasi legislative- issue regulations
2.Quasi judicial- enforce penalties for violations
B. Ran by boards of commissioners who are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate.
Examples: FDA,ICC,NLRB,SEC,NTSB

6. V. Government corporations
Provide the types of services that private companies would typically provide
Examples: Post Office, Amtrak, TVA

7. IV. The Iron Triangle
A pattern of relationships between an agency in the executive branch, Congress, and special interest groups lobbying that agency.

10. VI. Criticisms of The Bureaucracy
They have wide-ranging political power but are not democratically elected
Massive amounts of tax dollars are spent on these agencies, many believe that private industry would be more efficient.
Many people go to work for private companies after working for these agencies, helping them to avoid regulations. (revolving door of politics)

11. VII. Oversight
Congress and the President control the budgets of the various agencies.
The president appoints and can remove many of the agency heads.
Congress can call departments head to testify in front of Congress and provide information.