The Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy

Sometimes referred to as the '4th branch' because it connects the other three branches of government.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

A complex organization of agencies staffed by the President's closest advisors and assistants, established by FDR in 1939.

White House Office

The office that houses the President’s personal and political staff, directed by the Chief of Staff.

Chief of Staff

The person who directs the operation of the White House Office.

Cabinet Department

Includes 15 departments; cabinet heads are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Civil Service

A system where most federal employees are hired based on merit, applicable to around 90% of federal workers.

National Security Council

Advisory group to the President consisting of the President, Vice President, and other key secretaries.

Secretary of State

Head of the Department of State, responsible for foreign affairs.

Secretary of Treasury

In charge of the Department of Treasury, overseeing IRS and tariffs.

Secretary of Defense

Head of the Department of Defense, responsible for military matters.

Office of Attorney General

The chief attorney for the US who is in charge of the Justice Department.

Office of Management and Budget

Oversaw by a director appointed by the President, primarily responsible for the federal budget.

Federal Budget

A detailed estimate of federal income and expenditure for the next fiscal year.

Spoils System / Patronage

A practice rewarding party loyalists by appointing them to government positions.

Pendleton Act

Legislation passed in 1883 that established the civil service and merit-based hiring.

Civil Service Commission

An agency that supervises the testing and selection of federal employees based on merit.

Growth of the Bureaucracy

Expansion of bureaucratic agencies influenced by significant historical events.

The Great Depression

One of the events that led to significant growth in the bureaucracy.

World War II

A major event contributing to the expansion of government agencies and bureaucracy.

The Great Society

A set of domestic programs launched by President Johnson that increased the size of federal bureaucracy.