AG 2 Bureaucracy

Pendleton Act

Established merit-based federal hiring, reducing spoils system and political patronage.

Spoils vs. Merit System

• Spoils: Government jobs given as political rewards.

• Merit: Jobs awarded based on qualifications/exams.

How is the bureaucracy organized?

Departments, agencies, commissions, and government corporations with different roles and hierarchies.

Rulemaking

Bureaucracies create detailed regulations that implement laws passed by Congress.

Principal-Agent Problem

Conflict when agents (bureaucrats) pursue their own goals rather than principals’ (Congress/President) interests.

Importance for Understanding Bureaucracy

Explains challenges in controlling and holding bureaucracy accountable.

Models of Oversight

Police patrol (active, routine checks) vs. fire alarm (respond to complaints) oversight methods.

Iron Triangle

Stable, mutually beneficial relationship between Congress committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups.