Unit 2: Functions and Powers of the Bureaucracy

What is the Federal Bureaucracy?

the departments and agencies within the executive branch that carry out the laws of the nation.

• Utilizes uniform rules to operate with impartiality.

Characteristics of the Federal Bureaucracy

• Highly specialized

• Workforce within the bureaucracy consists of unelected, often highly- trained professionals.

• Organized with a hierarchical authority structure (pyramid)

• Bureaucrats (employees within the bureaucracy) are hired and promoted  using a merit system

  • (Pendleton Act)

Characteristics of the Federal Bureaucracy (how big is the bureaucracy?

• 15 Cabinet-level departments and 200+ independent agencies with 2,000+ bureaus, divisions, branches, etc.

• 4 Million employees (2.8 million are civilians, aka “civil servants”)

• President appointments make up only about 3% of the bureaucracy

MAIN FUNCTION: Implementation

carry out laws passed by Congress, as well as executive orders issued by the President.

Example: The Department of Education implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act by creating new guidelines for state testing and accountability.

MAIN FUCNTION: Administration

conduct routine administrative work and provide services

Example: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) setting limits on how much pollution factories can release into the air or water.

MAIN FUCNTION: Regulation

issue rules and regulations that impact the public

Example: The Social Security Administration sending out monthly retirement checks to eligible recipients.

Checks on Bureaucracy: Judiciary

Judicial review of agency actions; decisions limit the scope of agency action

Checks on Bureaucracy: President

Authority to appoint/remove individuals at the top levels of the bureaucracy; shape policies and priorities

Checks on Bureaucracy: Congress

Confirmation of presidential nominations; can create and terminate agencies; control appropriations to agencies; oversight

Types of Agencies: Cabinet Departments

Cabinet departments are the major executive agencies of the federal government, each headed by a Cabinet Secretary appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. These departments are responsible for broad policy areas like defense, education, and health, and they have their own budgets, staff, and sub-agencies (called bureaus) that carry out specialized tasks.

Example Cabinet Department: Department of State

Manages foreign relations and U.S. diplomatic efforts worldwide.

Example Cabinet Department: Department of Justice

Enforces federal laws and oversees the legal system (includes FBI, DEA).

Example Cabinet Department: Department of Health and Human Services

Oversees public health, social services, and medical research (includes the CDC, Medicare).

Example Cabinet Department: Department of Education

promotes national education standards, administers funding for schools.

Example Cabinet Department: Department of Treasury

Manages the country’s finances, taxes, and economic policy (includes the IRS).

Example Cabinet Department: Department of Homeland Security

Protects the U.S. from terrorist attacks and manages disaster responses (includes FEMA, TSA).

Example Cabinet Department: Department of Defense

Oversees military operations and ensures national security.

Type of Agencies: Independent Regulatory Commissions

Are agencies created by Congress to regulate specific areas like finance or communications in the public interest. They’re led by commissioners with fixed terms, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, but not easily removed. They make, enforce, and interpret rules — examples include the SEC, FCC, and EPA. They act separately from the executive branch. They are regulatory agencies designed to protect public welfare and maintain fair competition in various sectors.

Type of Agencies: Government Corporations

• Different from other government agencies, in that they provide services that could otherwise be handled by the private sector.

• These agencies charge for their services, but at cheaper rates.

• Examples:

U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Types of Agencies: Independent Agencies

• This category includes anything that is not a cabinet department, regulatory agency, or government corporation.

• Administrators appointed by the president.

• Increase or relax policy enforcement based on priorities of the president in office.

• Examples:

GSA, NASA, NSF

WHAT IS AN IRON TRIANGLE?

Coordinated/mutually beneficial activities of the bureaucracy, Congress, and interest groups to achieve policy goals.

Iron Triangle: Congress → Bureaucracy

Provides funding, passes enabling legislation, and oversees agency actions through hearings. (favorable oversight)

Iron Triangle: Bureaucracy → Congress

Implements laws passed by Congress and supplies technical info and expertise to shape policy.

Iron Triangle: Congress → Interest Groups

Passes favorable laws, adds earmarks, or grants access to decision-making processes.

Iron Triangle: Interest Groups → Congress

Offer campaign donations, electoral support, and policy ideas or research.

Iron Triangle: Bureaucracy → Interest Groups

Creates and enforces regulations that benefit the group's goals or industry.

Iron Triangle: interest Groups → Bureaucracy

Lobby agencies, provide expert info, and give feedback on proposed rules or implementation.