Executive Discretionary Rulemaking- Congress passes laws and then federal bureaucratic agencies use their discretion to create and enforce regulations Presidential ideology and authority can affect how the executive branch agencies carry out the goals of the administration Executive Orders are direct presidential actions to set policy priorities, establish procedures, organization of the bureaucracy Bureaucratic Challenges Complex structure with “red tape” of time-consuming processes and documentation Federal spending has increased- number of employees have not grown but many federal contractors and grant programs Limited oversight and transparency There can be conflict between political appointees and career civil servants in implementing the president’s policy
Legislative Oversight: review, monitoring, and supervision of bureaucratic agencies Investigation and committee hearings “Power of the purse”- check the bureaucracy by appropriating or withholding funds Compliance monitoring ensures funds are used properly and regulations followed- can be a challenge to policy implementation
Other Checks Judiciary Can rule whether bureaucratic actions and rules are in compliance with laws passed by Congress Supreme Court has changed discretionary rulemaking over time (ex: overturning Chevron decision)
Interest Groups- “watchdogs”, public advocacy, legal challenges Media- whistleblowers, affect public opinion, Freedom of Information Act for transparency
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