The Federal Bureaucracy

Bureacracy

• Millions of people who are employed to carry out the responsibilities of the federal government

• Falls under the authority of the executive branch

Structure of the Bureaucracy

• Cabinet Department

  • 15 departments

  • Department of Defense

  • Department of Education

  • President’s Cabinet are the heads of cabinet departments

• Agencies

  • Work together to accomplish the goals of the department

• Independent Regulatory Commissions

  • Created for the specific purpose of regulating some aspect of society

• Government Corporation

  • Hybrid between a government agency and a private business

  • Created when there is are services the government wants to offer to the public but the free-market is the best way to do it

Bureaucratic Organizations

• Write and enforce regulations

• Issue fines for non-compliance

• Interact with Congress

Compliance Monitoring

• The process of ensuring that organizations adhere to regulations and standards set by government agencies or regulatory bodies.

Iron Triangle

• A relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that work together to influence policy-making.

• This relationship promotes mutual benefits, including the allocation of resources and information.

Issue Networks

• A collection of various actors, including interest groups, researchers, and bureaucratic agencies, that collaborate to shape policy on specific issues.

Civil Service Reform

• Changes to the civil service system aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and integrity in federal employment, often including merit-based hiring and protection from political influences.

Delegated Discretionary Authority

The power granted to bureaucratic agencies to make decisions and implement policies within the framework of laws set by Congress.

Department of Homeland Security

Protects Americans from terrorism and maintains and controls borders

Department of Transportation

Manages all kinds of transportation like highway and air travel

Department of Veteran Affairs

Manages the general welfare of nation’s veterans

Department of Education

Manages states and their implementation of federal educational standards

Environmental Protection Agency

Protects the environment and human health through environmental regulations

Federal Elections Commission

Administers and enforces campaign finance laws

Securities and Exchange Commission

Regulates stock market and prevents fraud

Committee Hearings

formal meetings held by committees to gather information and evaluate legislation.

Power of the Purse

A principal in campaign finance law that limits the amount of money individuals can contribute to political campaigns to ensure fairness and integrity.

Authorization of Spending

The process by which Congress grants permission for federal agencies to use funds for specific purposes. It outlines the approved levels of spending for various programs and services.

Budget and Impoundment Control Act

Legislation that governs the budgeting process for the federal government, requiring the President to spend appropriated funds and limiting the ability to impound funds.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government and enforce laws.

Compliance Monitoring

The process of ensuring that federal agencies and programs adhere to regulations, policies, and laws. It involves ongoing oversight and evaluation to guarantee proper implementation and accountability.