1. 6-1: Introduction to the Bureaucracy

2. Big Idea: Competing Policymaking Interests
Enduring Understanding:
The federal bureaucracy is a powerful institution implementing federal policies with sometimes questionable accountability.
Learning Objective:
Explain how the bureaucracy carries out the responsibilities of the federal government.

3. Overview
Bureaucracy—large, complex organization of appointed officials
Components
President’s cabinet
Executive Office of the President
Series of independent agencies
Procedures through which government operates

4. Overview
Bureaucracy—large, complex organization of appointed officials
Scope
4 million employees
2.7 civilians and the military
Half work for DoD
25% work for USPS
Top-down chain of command
Functions
Carry out policies passed by Congress
Specialized duties and guidelines

5. Expansion of Government
Constitution
Bureaucracy scarcely addressed
Spoils System
Positions awarded for political loyalty
Civil Service
Bureaucracy adjusted to expanding economy and necessary regulation
Merit-based

6. Expansion of Government
Federal and State Employees Today
Expansion of federal bureaucracy around the 1930s
Military preparedness
Social programs
Number of federal employees fairly constant since 1950
Number of state employees increasing since 1950
Revenue/resource sharing
Block grants
mandates