How The Bureaucracy Affects Today's Government

Hatch Act of 1939

Limits how federal employees can participate in the political process.

Federal Employees Political Activities Act of 1993

Allows federal employees to run for office in nonpartisan elections and contribute to partisan elections.

Government Corporations

Businesses established by Congress to perform functions that could be done by private businesses (e.g., FDIC, USPS).

Independent Executive Agencies

Agencies that perform services, not regulatory functions, and have a more narrow scope than cabinet departments (e.g., NASA, EPA).

Independent Regulatory Agencies

Agencies that regulate specific areas of the economy or public policy (e.g., Federal Reserve Board).

Iron Triangles

The relationship between agencies, congressional subcommittees, and interest groups that influences policy making.

Issue Networks

A more specific version of Iron Triangles focusing on the collaboration of various stakeholders in policy making.

Red Tape

Regulations and procedures that slow down government action and decision making.

Appropriations Committee

A powerful committee that approves expenditure recommendations for the House.

Police Patrol Oversight

Constant monitoring of the bureaucracy by Congress to ensure laws are implemented.

Fire Alarm Oversight

Oversight that waits for citizens or interest groups to alert Congress to bureaucratic issues.

Major Complaints of the Bureaucracy

Includes red tape, conflict, duplication, imperialism, waste, lack of accountability, and corruption.

Devolution

The transfer of responsibility for government programs to the states.

Privatization

The provision of government programs by private contractors through a bidding system.

Lifetime Bureaucrats

Bureaucrats who have worked in one agency for a long time, ensuring continuity and expertise but potentially fostering complacency.

Government Moves Slowly

A consequence of bureaucracy leading to delayed actions and decisions.

Congressional Oversight

Congress's power to monitor and control the bureaucracy through investigatory powers and appointments.

Expenditure Recommendations

The budgetary proposals that the Appropriations Committee reviews and approves.