1. Defining A “Bureaucracy” The FEDERAL Bureaucracy
“Bureaucrats”
Pros & Cons
Example Bureaucracy
EXIT
The FEDERAL Bureaucracy

2. There are three major parts to a bureaucracy…
What is a Bureaucracy?
There are three major parts to a bureaucracy…
A bureaucracy is a SPECIALIZED, HIERARCHICAL structure that handles the everyday business of an organization according to pre-established REGULATIONS.

3. Job Specialization
Workers within a bureaucracy are given certain defined duties and responsibilities. This results in a precise division of labor throughout the organization.

4. Hierarchical Authority
Bureaucracies are organized by a pyramid shaped chain of command, or hierarchy, that runs from the top to the bottom.
At the top, there are a few officials that have authority over those in a bigger middle level who, in turn, direct those at the bottom.

5. Formalized Rules Work that is done by the
bureaucracy is done so according
to a set of established regulations
and procedures.

6. Bureaucrats
Any person who works for a bureaucratic organization can be given the title “bureaucrat,” from the head of the organization to the bottommost workers.

7. Bureaucracy: Pros & Cons

8. Pros of a Bureaucracy
Its three features make the bureaucracy the most effective way for people to work together on large and complex tasks.
The hierarchy reduces conflict over who has the power to make decisions.
Job specialization promotes efficiency because each worker is required to focus on one particular job.
Formalized rules allow workers to perform with speed and precision because decisions are made by following specific standards.

9. Cons of a Bureaucracy
Dealing with a bureaucracy often leads to obstacles, or “red tape.” In the past, bureaucrats used red ribbon to hold together their files. Today, the term “red tape” refers to the amount of delays and paperwork often faced when working with a bureaucracy.
The hierarchy can make the simplest decision complex due to the chain of command in which orders must be made. Orders often have to travel up and down the chain before any progress can be made.
Division of labor compartmentalizes attention and response.
Rules and regulations are not very helpful when unexpected situations arise within the bureaucracy.

10. Example Bureaucracy: DAHS
Who?
What?
Where?
Why?
How?

11. DAHS: Who?
Hierarchy – Superintendant > School Board > Principal > Vice
Principal > Teachers > Students
Job Specialization – Students =Learn, Teachers = Instruct,
Principals = Evaluate Teachers, etc.
Formalized Rules – Established by upper tier of hierarchy, entire
bureaucracy applies to regulations

12. DAHS: What?
Hierarchy – provides chain of command for policy/curriculum/
staffing/etc. decisions to be made
Job Specialization – allows greater focus of content in specific
areas of instruction
Formalized Rules – regulate the day-to-day functions of entire
organization (dress code, curriculum, etc.)

13. DAHS: Where? Hierarchy – decisions travel from the top down, while
suggestions travel from the bottom up
Job Specialization – daily work done at classroom level, more
administrative work done elsewhere
Formalized Rules – found in school district policy handbook

14. DAHS: Why? Hierarchy – less conflict and more order when decisions are
being made
Job Specialization – work performed more efficiently with greater
focus and attention to detail
Formalized Rules – no confusion of right or wrong way to
conduct the everyday work

15. DAHS: How?
Hierarchy – provides a sturdy structure to a complex organization
Job Specialization – compartmentalizes duties between various
workers and officials
Formalized Rules – provide a constant certainty to the ethics and
principles behind decisions

16. The Federal Bureaucracy
Why It Matters
How It’s Organized
“The Name Game”

17. Why The Federal Bureaucracy Matters
Jobs/Employment – With about 2.7 million workers, the federal
bureaucracy is the largest employer in the
United States.
Primary Purpose – The federal bureaucracy is designed to help
our nation’s government efficiently carry out
its day-to-day business AND to help the
President uphold his powers as
Chief Executive.
WITHOUT THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY, ALL THE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS IN OUR NATION WOULD BE NOTHING MORE THAN WORDS ON PIECES OF PAPER

18. “The Name Game”
Agencies within the federal bureaucracy are given certain titles that match their function. These titles help keep the complex bureaucracy a little more organized.
Department = Cabinet agencies
Agency = general title for any gov’t body
Administration = similar to agency
Commission = regulate business activity
Corporation = conduct business-like activity
Authority = similar to corporation

19. The Legislative Branch
How It’s Organized
The federal bureaucracy is found in all three branches of the government through various agencies and organizations. However, 90% of the bureaucracy exists within the ExecutiveBbranch.
The Legislative Branch
The Executive Branch
The Judicial Branch
Why do you suppose the bulk of the bureaucracy is located on the Executive Branch? (Think back to the primary purposes)

20. Legislative Bureaucracy
Most important features of the legislative bureaucracy are the two houses of Congress.
Other Legislative Offices and Departments
Architect of the Capitol
General Accounting Office
Government Printing Office
Library of Congress
United States Botanic Garden
Office of Technology Assessment
Congressional Budget Office
Copyright Royalty Tribunal
United States Tax Court

21. Judicial Bureaucracy
Most important feature of the judicial bureaucracy is the US Supreme Court.
Other Courts:
Courts of Appeals
District Courts
Federal Claims Court
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Court of International Trade
Territorial Courts
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Administrative Office of the United States
Federal Judicial Center

22. Executive Bureaucracy
At the head of the executive bureaucracy resides the President. Administration within the executive bureaucracy is divided into three key branches:
Executive Office of the President
Executive Departments
Independent Agencies

23. Executive Office of the President
The Executive Office of the President (EOP) acts as the President’s right arm.
The EOP is an umbrella agency composed of several different agencies that are headed by some of the President’s closest advisors.
Key agencies within the EOP: White House Office, National Security Council, Office of Management and Budget.
The EOP provides the President support in the formation and execution of our nation’s public policies
The White House Office acts as the “nerve center” for the EOP; most of the work done in the executive bureaucracy happen here.
The National Security Council is headed by the President and staffed by his closest advisors. This agency’s main duty is to aid the President in all matters affecting national security.

24. Executive Departments
There are 15 executive departments which are collectively known as the Cabinet: State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, Education, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security
The head of each department is given the title secretary. (Department of Justice = attorney general)
Each secretary acts both as a primary link between the President (frequent meetings) and his/her own department and as the head of their given department.
Cabinet departments carry out much of the work of the federal government.

25. Independent Agencies
Independent agencies exist are additional agencies that exist outside of the other executive departments.
Over 150 independent agencies exist in the federal bureaucracy, and some of them rival Cabinet departments in budget size, number of employees and functions.
Reasons for independent agencies:
organization may not fit well in departmental structure
protection from partisan politics
some agencies originally thought to be temporary