Govpol L&E part 3

Three Functions of Bureaucracy

Implementation (execute laws), Regulation (set rules), Administration (manage gov’t programs)

Cabinet Departments

Major agencies led by secretaries (State, Defense, Treasury)

Independent Executive Agencies

Gov’t agencies separate from Cabinet departments (NASA, EPA)

Independent Regulatory Commissions

Agencies regulating economy/sectors (SEC, FCC, Fed Reserve)

Government Corporations

Gov't-run businesses providing services (USPS, Amtrak)

Checks & Balances on Bureaucracy

Congressional oversight, budget control; Presidential appointments; Judicial review

Quasi-Judicial Powers (Discretionary)

Agencies enforce compliance, settle disputes through administrative hearings/rulings

Quasi-Legislative Powers (Rule-Making)

Agencies create/enforce rules with law-like power

Patronage vs Merit (Pendleton Act)

Merit-based hiring replacing political patronage; Pendleton Act requires civil service exams

Iron Triangle

Stable relationship between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, & congressional committees shaping policy

Whistleblower Protection Act

Protects federal employees reporting agency misconduct

Sunshine Act

Gov't agency meetings open to public

Civil Service Reform Act

Reforms federal employment practices, strengthens merit system

FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)

Public right to access gov’t documents/info

Hatch Act

Limits federal employees' political activities for neutrality

Complaints about Bureaucracy

Inefficiency, red tape, duplication, wasteful spending, complexity, lack accountability