1. AP GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 15
The Bureaucracy

2. Terms to know
Bureaucracy- A hierarchical structure that is responsible for day-to-day tasks of the government
Bureaucrat- an official in a government agency/ dept

3. Keys to the “4th “ Branch
Since it links all 3 branches together it is sometimes referred to as the 4th branch (POLICY IS KEY)
Spoils System/ patronage
Pendleton Act (1883)- ends patronage
Civil Service Merit System (90% of all Federal workers)

4. COMMISSIONS
ICC was the first (created to end price fixing by railroads)
Large rise in Federal Workers during depression and LBJ’s War on Poverty (crisis or social change increases jobs and presidential power)
Hatch Act passed 1939 to reduce gov’t workers involvement in politics but is weakened in 1993

5. Government Workers and Political Involvement
Hatch Act of 1939
Prohibits civil servants from taking activist roles in partisan campaigns – federal employees cannot make political contributions, work for a particular party, or campaign for a particular candidate
Federal Employees Political Activities Act of 1993
Liberalizes Hatch Act – federal employees can run for office in nonpartisan elections and contribute money to campaigns in partisan elections 5

6. Terms to know
Cabinet Department- agencies of the federal government responsible for carrying out laws, administering programs, and making regulations in their particular area of responsibility

7. The Cabinet Departments
15 departments (Homeland most recent)
Cabinet heads (Secy’s) are appointed by President, and confirmed by Senate, but responsible to their departments (“going native”)
How many can you name?
Know the important ones!!

8. Terms to know Independent Regulatory Agency-
An administrative agency that is not considered part of the government's executive branch and is not subject to the authority of the president. Independent agency officials cannot be removed without cause.

9. Terms to know
Independent Executive Agency-The government not accounted for by cabinet departments, independent regulatory agencies, and government corporations. Its administrators are typically appointed by the president and serve at the president's pleasure. NASA is an example.

10. Terms to know
Government Corporation- government agency that operates like a business corporation, created to secure greater freedom of action and flexibility for a particular program

12. Making Agencies Accountable
Photo Caption: What role does Congress play in bureaucratic oversight?
Congress holds a wide variety of hearings to monitor bureaucratic implementation of public policy. Here, the Senate Judiciary Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Patrick Leahy (D–VT) holds an oversight hearing regarding the interrogation techniques authorized by the Department of Justice during the George W. Bush administration.
Executive control
Executive orders
Congressional control
Constitutional authority
Funding
Oversight hearings
Judicial control
Injunctions
To Learning Objectives 12

13. Congressional Oversight
1. Investigatory Powers
2. “Power of the Purse” (GAO and CBO)
3. Appointment process
4. Enactment of Laws
5. Abolishment Power

14. Key Terms Administrative Discretion vs Standard Operating Procedures
Hatch Act
Executive Orders
Regulation
Red Tape
Dept. of Defense (largest single employer of federal civilian workers by a dept. or agency)
Iron Triangles

15. The Iron Triangle Agencies Congressional Committees Interest Groups
RESULT OF ALL THESE DECISION MAKING BODIES IS POLICY MAKING
Recently becoming known as “issue networks”

16. What is an iron triangle?

18. Where do federal employees work?