Neal Mankowski - Reading Check 02/06

What is Bureaucracy?

  • Bureaucracy: An organization designed to carry out specific tasks based on rules and procedures.

  • Federal Bureaucracy: Departments and agencies in the executive branch executing laws at a national level.

Structure of Bureaucracy

  • 15 main cabinet departments with specialized responsibilities.

  • Cabinet Secretaries: Nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Each leads a department with various subordinate units.

  • Early bureaucracy didn’t have many cabinets or employees, but now there are nearly three million civilians are employed in federal services (as of 2016).

  • The Constitution establishes a foundation for these departments under the executive branch, in Article II.

Historical Development

  • Washington's cabinet was minimal, with only three departments.

  • Over decades, new departments have been created because of different needs.

  • Political Patronage: Early systems awarding jobs based on political support.

  • Pendleton Act of 1883: Established a merit-based system for hiring, promotion, and job security in the federal workplace.

The Bureaucracy and Policymaking

  • Bureaucracy executes laws passed by Congress, engaging in a multifaceted policymaking process.

    • Implementation: The bureaucracy’s role putting laws into action passed by Congress.

  • Bureaucracies have the power to create regulations that carry the same weight as legislation. This is seen in the Iron Triangle, where agencies give favorable regulations to interest groups.

  • Notice-and-comment is mandatory before rules are finalized, which allows interested parties to voice their opinion.

    • These are published annually in the Federal Register.

Checks on the Bureaucracy

  • Presidential Control: Appoints and removes top bureaucrats; can shape agendas through executive orders and budget proposals.

  • Congressional Oversight: Holds hearings, controls funding, can create or terminate agencies, and reinforces accountability through the GAO.

  • Judicial Impact: Courts can limit bureaucratic actions through decisions affecting regulations and agency performances.

  • Public Perception: Major failures, like Hurricane Katrina, can lead to public criticism and anger.

Important terms for the reading check

  • Bureaucracy: A system of government or management that is characterized by strict rules and procedures.

  • Bureaucratic Discretion: Agencies’ ability to adapt and interpret laws as necessary.

  • Iron Triangle: Interaction between bureaucracy, Congress, and interest groups to achieve shared goals.

  • Merit System: Hiring and promotion based on qualifications rather than political affiliations