The Federal Bureaucracy

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Works to ensure bureaucrats implement the president's policy as wished.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Creates the president's annual budget proposal for Congress and monitors spending.

Independent Agencies

Agencies below executive departments (like the FED and CIA) that the president has less control over.

Budget Maximizers

Agencies or bureaucrats always looking to increase funding whether they need it or not.

Civil Service Regulations

Provide job security after 3 years, making it hard to fire workers except "for cause".

Hatch Act

Allowed federal employees to vote and contribute to campaigns, but prohibited working for candidates or political parties.

Federal Employees Political Activities Act (1993)

Broadened political activity, allowing federal employees to fundraise and serve as party officers.

Turkey Farms

Positions where campaign loyalists can be appointed without high risk of making bad policy.

Bureaucratic Drift

Tendency of bureaucrats to implement policies in a way they prefer rather than as intended by office holders.

Police Patrol Oversight

Active congressional or presidential oversight (like audits and interviews) that can be costly and time-consuming.

Fire Alarm Oversight

Reactive oversight that waits until a complaint from lobbyists, voters, or journalists alerts officials.

Iron Triangles

Alliances between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and Congress that share a common goal.