unit 2 : bureaucracy notes

bureaucracy

• is an efficient and effective way to organize people to do work

• they are found wherever there are large organizations

  • examples: corporations, universities, catholic churches, and federal agencies / departments

three feautures

1. hierarchical society

2. job specialization

3. formalized rules

constitutional origins of the bureaucracy

• article one, section eight : necessary and proper clause

• article two, section two : “he may require the opinion in writing of the principal officer in each executive departments…” - president can appoint heads and ambassadors + can advise him

bureaucracies as implementers : the “4th branch”

federal bureaucracy carries out the responsibilities of the federal government

quasi-legislative

rulemaking (apply laws passed) - testify in congressional oversight hearings

quasi-judicial

administrative discretion - administrative adjudication (making a decision to fine you)

discretionary authority

• the power to choose courses of action and to make policies that are not spelled out in advance by laws

• examples may include safety regulations, which drugs should be legal, and which corporate mergers should be allowed