Buceaucracy

Federal bureaucracy

The executive branch system of departments and agencies that implement and enforce federal laws.

Implementation

The process by which agencies carry out laws passed by Congress.

Appointments Clause

Constitutional clause giving the president power to appoint executive officials.

Take Care Clause

Clause requiring the president to faithfully execute federal laws.

Congress delegates authority

Congress gives agencies power due to expertise and to avoid political blame.

Rulemaking

When agencies create regulations that have the force of law.

Principal–agent problem

When agencies act differently than Congress intends.

Cabinet departments

Major executive agencies led by secretaries (e.g., Defense, Agriculture).

Independent agencies

Agencies more insulated from politics (e.g., NASA, FCC).

Independent regulatory commissions

Agencies regulating industries (e.g., SEC, Federal Reserve).

Federal Reserve

Independent central bank that makes monetary policy.

Government corporations

Government‑run businesses (e.g., USPS, Amtrak).

Merit system

Hiring based on qualifications and exams.

Political appointee

Top‑level official chosen by the president.

Senior Executive Service (SES)

High‑level career managers who help run agencies.

Civil service protections

Rules that ensure neutrality and prevent political firing.

Spoils system

Andrew Jackson’s system of giving jobs to political supporters.

Pendleton Act

Law that created the merit‑based civil service system.

Hatch Act

Law prohibiting federal employees from political activity while on duty.

Civil Service Reform Act

Law allowing limited unionization and bargaining over work conditions.

Presidential control

Presidents use appointments, executive orders, and budgets to influence agencies.

Congressional oversight

Congress monitors agencies through hearings, budgets, and laws.

Judicial review

Courts check whether agencies follow the law.

Oversight

Monitoring agency behavior to ensure compliance.

Regulatory capture

When agencies favor the industries they regulate.

Conservative agencies

Defense, Homeland Security, military branches.

Liberal agencies

EPA, Labor, Health and Human Services.

Military ideology split

Officers lean Republican, enlisted mirror general population.

Federal unions

Public‑sector unions tend to support Democrats.

Inspectors general

Officials who investigate agency misconduct.

Press accountability

Media exposes agency failures (e.g., VA hospital scandal).

Presidential removal

President fires agency leaders for poor performance.

Privatization

Shifting government functions to private contractors.

Bureaucracy controversy

Debate over unelected officials making policy decisions.

Need for bureaucracy

Modern government requires expertise and large‑scale coordination.