Bureaucracy Notes

What is the bureaucracy sometimes called?

The '4th branch of government'

How many workers are in the federal bureaucracy?

Nearly 3 million

What percentage of the budget does the bureaucracy take up?

40% (Discretionary spending)

Where does the other 60% of the budget go?

Entitlement programs and debt interest(mandated spending)

What is patronage (spoils system)?

Hiring based on loyalty rather than ability

What is the merit system?

Hiring based on ability rather than loyalty

What did the Pendleton Act do?

Established the merit system for hiring civil servants

What are the main powers of the bureaucracy?

Provide services, write and enforce laws (rule-making), discretionary authority (power to act on their own)

Why is it difficult to fire bureaucrats?

There are strict rules, but they can be moved to undesirable locations or given mundane work.

What is an Iron Triangle?

A strong relationship between a bureaucratic agency, an interest group, and Congress.

What is an Issue Network?

A group of concerned people advocating for a particular issue until it is solved.

What is red tape?

Excessive rules and paperwork that slow down processes.

What is wasteful spending?

When bureaucratic agencies spend more money than needed.

How does Congress check the bureaucracy?

Creates agencies by law, controls funding (appropriations), holds investigations (oversight)

How does the judiciary check the bureaucracy?

Courts can review agency decisions and rule them unconstitutional.

What is the Hatch Act?

Prevents federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities.

How many cabinet departments exist?

15

What makes an agency 'independent'?

It is not part of a cabinet department and has a single function. ex, CIA, NASA

Who appoints independent agency heads?

The President (confirmed by the Senate)

What do regulatory agencies do?

Enforce rules that regulate specific activities and protect public interest. ex, EPA

What is a government corporation?

A government agency run like a business that provides a service for a fee. Ex, U.S. Postal Service

What is bureaucratic conflict?

When agencies work against each other’s goals.

What is duplication in bureaucracy?

When two agencies do the same job.

What is bureaucratic imperialism?

When an agency grows in size and cost beyond its benefits.

What is waste in bureaucracy?

Spending more money than necessary.

What are the main powers of the bureaucracy?

• Write and enforce laws (rule-making)

• Discretionary authority (power to act on their own)