1. Structure of the Federal Bureaucracy
Cabinet Departments
Independent Executive Agencies
Independent Regulatory Commissions
Government Corporations
15 Departments headed by Secretaries
Secretaries appointed by president; confirmed by Senate
Each department is an expert in its area and has its own budget
Established by Congress with separate status outside the executive branch
Given a specific mandate and generally perform a service function, not a regulatory one.
IRCs exist to regulate a specific economic activity or interest
IRCs operate independently from Congress and the President
Once appointed and seated, members cannot be removed without cause
Government owned businesses created by Congress
May or may not be profitable, but serve a public need
Examples:
Department of Homeland Security
CIA
NASA
Social Security Admin.
FCC
Federal Reserve
Amtrak
US Postal Service
TVA