1. THE FEDERAL BUREACRACY
Examining the “Fourth Branch”

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

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

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

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

6. Federal Bureaucracy – Simplified
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)

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

8. The Federal Bureaucracy: Organization and Key Functions
Cabinet Departments
There are 15 cabinet departments
Exception of Justice (headed by the Attorney General), each department is headed by a secretary
All 15 heads are chosen by the president and approved by the Senate
Treasury Department has authority over the printing of currency
Cabinet secretaries often develop a strong loyalty to their departments
Cabinet members are often not close presidential advisors

9. 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.

10. Independent Regulatory Commissions
Created to protect the public by regulating a key, specific economic activity or interest
Examples:
Federal Communications Commission (public air waves)
Federal Reserve Board (banking system, money supply)
Securities & Exchange Commission (stock market)
Interstate Commerce Commission (business)
National Labor Relations Board
IRCs operate independently from Congress and the President
Lead by small commissions – appointed by POTUS, confirmed by Senate
Once appointed and seated, members cannot be removed without cause

11. 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

12. Who works for the federal government?

13. Who are the “Bureaucrats?”
4.1 million employees (~2.6 million civilian)
97% are career government employees
Only 97% work in the D.C. area
30% work for the D.O.D.
Less than 15% work for social welfare agencies
Most (90.77%) are white collar workers: secretaries, clerks, lawyers, inspectors & engineers
Civil employees more diverse demographically than Congress

14. Where do Federal Employees Work?

15. What Jobs Do Bureaucrats Do?

16. Who are the “Bureaucrats?”
Average Age: 47.5 yrs
Length of Service: years
Education: 51.74% have BS or higher
Gender: 56.6% male, 43.4% female
Race: 18.15% Black, 8.75% Hispanic, 5.99% Asian, 0.51% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, 1.69% Native American
Disability Status: 9.93% w/ disabilities
Avg Salary: $84,913 annually

17. Who supervises the federal bureaucracy?

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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