The bureaucracy

who are bureaucrats?

employees of agencies or bureaus

discretionary authority

An agency’s ability to decide whether or not to take certain courses of action when implementing existing laws.

congressional authority over bureaucracy

oversight; oversees the rulemaking and discretionary functions of agencies

launches investigations

executive authority over bureaucrat

• appoints cabinet members

• removes cabinet members

• executive order: implementing policy becomes job of relevant department

• signing statements; allows interpretation and how agency should implement law

Congress power of purse

controls budget of agencies

judicial review of bureaucracy

actions may be challenged in courts, which interpret federal law and the Constitution

Congressional legislation

congress may through legislation create, abolish, or make any changes to bureaucratic agencies

fisical policy

impact economy through adjustments in taxation & spending

inflated by Congress

monetary policy

impacts the economy through adjustments in interest rates and the money supply

implemented by the Federal Reserve Board

Regulatory agencies include

• environmental protection agency

• federal trade commission

• federal reserve board

what department is census bureau a part of?

department of commerce

difference between EOP and cabinet heads

EOP are more likely to be stronger supporters of president and have lower levels of congressional oversight